ENG-1989 — Page 337

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Radio Television Hong Kong (Television)

During 1989, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), which uses the transmission services of the two commercial stations, continued to produce 12 hours of public affairs television programmes each week.

Policy guidelines for RTHK require its programmes to provide a channel of communi- cation between the government and the public in order to promote civic responsibility and identity, to serve minority interests and in general to educate, entertain and inform. The programmes fall basically into six categories: current affairs, drama, information and community services, variety and games shows, children's and youth programmes, and general educational productions.

-

Starting in April 1989, the Chinese channels of the commercial television stations each allocated to RTHK a half-hour prime-time slot during weekdays. The arrangement was aimed at offering a better-balanced programme mix to the public.

The increasing pace of change in both the local and international political scenes called for more attention and coverage in these areas. Series of special discussions, debates and documentaries were produced for showing in prime-time. The programme Common Sense continued to explore issues of public concern and the on-going Today-in-LegCo provided an up-to-date insight into the work of the legislature.

The English side of current affairs this year focused on two special themes: Seven Days, a magazine package on the political and economic scene, and All About Us, an investigative series on-Hong Kong's environment and heritage.

A children's drama series centred on the way a young family deals with children growing up. Film Drama was presented in a docu-drama format.

Variety shows such as Climb the Lion Rock and concert-format Central and Western Carnival were produced to promote a healthy life-style and civic responsibility. The large-scale event, Talent Quest for the Disabled, returned to pay tribute to the performing talents of the disabled. Game and quiz shows also featured prominently during the year.

As in the past, RTHK was responsible for producing programmes on important annual and one-off events. In mid-1989, RTHK contributed technical support to the BBC production of a studio discussion, Hong Kong A Matter of Honour, providing live communication between the Hong Kong and British panellists discussing Hong Kong people's right of abode in the United Kingdom.

-

In educational programmes, language learning expanded its horizons. A new series of Everyday English in which situational English is taught through songs and drama was produced for broadcasting at prime-time. In addition, a completely new series of Putonghua Through Songs and Movies was produced.

RTHK's Educational Television Division and the Education Department continued to produce curriculum-based and special educational programmes for schools. The government's Educational Television Service, which utilises the transmission facilities of the commercial television stations for eight hours every weekday during school term time, was watched by 610 000 schoolchildren of primary three to secondary three levels. The programmes were produced by RTHK and were devised and written by specialist Education Department staff, who provided schools with programme literature and followup work.

Cable Television

During the year the government took the decision to license Hong Kong's first cable television (CTV) system. Proposals for the establishment of the system were invited in

285