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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

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HONG KONG is well served by its print and electronic news media whose up-to-the-minute coverage and vigorous editorial comment reflects the local lifestyle.

Within Hong Kong, the news media includes nearly 70 daily newspapers, over 600 periodicals, two private television companies, one government radio-television station, two commercial radio stations and a radio service station for the British Forces. Keeping abreast of the times, the government is preparing for the licensing of satellite television and is looking at options to introduce cable television in Hong Kong.

The availability in Hong Kong of the latest in telecommunications technology ensures a continuous interflow of information with most parts of the world and this, together with growing interest in Hong Kong affairs, attracts international news media representatives to establish regional bases here.

News agencies, newspapers with international readership and overseas broadcasting corporations have bureaux and offices in Hong Kong. Regional publications produced here have been successful, underlining the territory's strong position as a financial, industrial, trading and communications centre.

The news media also play a significant role in the territory's precautionary measures against sudden climatic threats - alerting, informing and advising the public in the event of typhoons or rainstorms.

Continuing advances and innovations in the communications field have enabled the Hong Kong Government to expand its information services. To promote community participation and civic awareness, it produces and contributes to numerous public affairs. programmes on radio and television.

Information Policy

The Information Co-ordinator in the Chief Secretary's Office has overall policy respon- sibility for the government's relations with the media, while the Information Services Department is the executive agency for implementing that policy. The main aim is to keep the media fully informed of all the government's plans and policies so that the public are kept aware of the government activities which affect their lives. Apart from formulating policy on information and related matters, the Information Co-ordinator advises the government on the presentation of its policies, the planning and implementation of major government publicity campaigns and on public relations matters generally, both within Hong Kong and overseas.