ENG-1991 — Page 342

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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

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THE news media in Hong Kong includes nearly 70 daily newspapers (including one in braille), around 600 periodicals, two private television companies, one government radio-television station, two commercial radio stations and a radio service station for the British Forces. During the year, the first Hong Kong based satellite television service was launched. The options for subscription television are under review.

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 in communications have enabled the 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 re- sponsibility for the government's public relations strategy, 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, and on public relations matters generally, both within Hong Kong and overseas.

Information Services Department

The Information Services Department - known also as GIS, the Government Information Services - provides the link between the administration and the information media and, through them, the people of Hong Kong.