ENG-1991 — Page 345

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Several organisations represent and cater for people working in the news media in Hong Kong. The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong represents Chinese and English newspaper proprietors. It is empowered to act in matters affecting the interests of its members. The Hong Kong Journalists Association, founded in 1968, is the only territory-wide trade union for local journalists. It seeks to recommend better training, pay and conditions in journalism, and advises its members in the event of disputes with employers. As an active member of the International Federation of Journalists, it plays a significant role in the international press freedom movement, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The Foreign Correspondents' Club offers its members social facilities and a range of professional activities, including news conferences, briefings and films. The Hong Kong Press Club provides an opportunity for journalists to meet socially.

The Journalism Training Board continued to provide up-grading courses for working journalists. With an allocation of $200,000 from the Vocational Training Council, the board conducted eight subsidised courses in 1991, the most popular being Newspro-English Oral Skill for Journalists. The board also collaborated with the Hong Kong Journalists Association and other tertiary institutions in a series of practical journalism courses for young journalists.

The Advertising, Public Relations and Publishing Training Board conducted two training courses in publishing and advertising management respectively.

Hong Kong's Image Overseas

Overview -

One of the main objectives of the government's information policy is to project a proper image of Hong Kong to overseas communities.

In this task, the Information Co-ordinator's Office maintains close contact with the government's overseas offices, and consuls-general and commissioners of foreign countries in Hong Kong and the various non-government agencies responsible for promoting Hong Kong overseas, such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourist Association, chambers of commerce and major Hong Kong companies. As international interest in the major issues confronting Hong Kong has increased, so the government, in co-operation with other members of 'Hong Kong Inc.', has expanded the programme of joint promotional activities mounted overseas.

The government also runs sponsored visitors and speakers programmes. Influential politicians, parliamentarians, government officials and businessmen from countries with close relations with Hong Kong are invited here to undertake programmes of visits and briefings aimed at improving their understanding of the territory. Like the sponsored visitors programme, the sponsored speakers programme is run by the Information Co-ordinator's Office. Under this, arrangements are made for senior government officials and prominent local personalities to address targetted audiences, including editorial boards of the overseas press. These programmes are complemented by participation in international seminars and cultural events, the hosting of international events and similar activities.

Overseas Offices

The Hong Kong Government's overseas public relations efforts are concentrated on its major business partners in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Its overseas offices in these regions play a leading role in promoting Hong Kong.

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