ENG-1993 — Page 377

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Subscription Television

The year marked the introduction of subscription television in Hong Kong.

Following a comprehensive review of the television broadcasting environment in Hong Kong, the government drew up a regulatory framework to encourage the introduction of a subscription television service. Tenders were invited to establish the service and the licence was awarded to Wharf Cable Limited in June 1993. The licence covers a 12-year period. Wharf Cable Limited launched its service, delivered by microwave initially, on October 31. Eight channels are available, providing the world's first round-the-clock news service in Chinese, films, sports, children's and other entertainment programmes. The microwave system used for delivery will eventually be replaced by an optical fibre cable network, when the capacity of the system will be increased to a maximum of 39 channels.

Radio Television Hong Kong (Television)

Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) produced 10 hours of public affairs television programmes each week during the year. Of these, five hours of programmes were broadcast during prime time throughout the week on the Chinese channels of the two commercial stations (TVB and ATV). Programmes, usually averaging half an hour in length, were also shown on the English channels.

RTHK programmes fall basically into six categories: current affairs, drama, information and community services, variety and quiz shows, children's and youth programmes, and general educational programmes. According to a report on the media, the average viewer size of RTHK programmes during prime time on TVB and ATV was 1 273 000 and 330 000, respectively. An annual independent survey on qualitative rating showed con- tinued public support for RTHK programmes.

Most of RTHK's programmes focus on promoting civic responsibility and social awareness. Current affairs programmes remained in great demand. Through the weekly Common Sense, Headliner, City Forum, The Hong Kong Connection, Today in Legco and Media Watch, current issues were explored and analysed to provide better public under- standing of social events. For the younger generation, this was done through a new programme series Children News Magazine.

For drama, the focus was on the lives of particular social groups. Drama Featuring Disabled People highlighted the successful integration of this group into the community; Youth Drama gave an in-depth description of young people's behaviour; and the Housing Anniversary Series featured the lives of people in public housing. In the variety area, a series of programmes promoted rehabilitation. Project Sunshine successfully served as a fund-raiser for Caritas Hong Kong; Rehabilitation Special, jointly organised with the Health and Welfare Branch, sought to promote the integration of the disabled into society; and the 4th Talent Quest for the Disabled helped to arouse their interest, and develop their talents, in the performing arts.

Programmes designed for youth and children were another focus of production. Value of Life aimed at imparting to youth a positive attitude towards life. CYC Drama depicted youngsters' participation in the Community Youth Club activities, and their school and family lives. New Working Generation featured young people in various career fields.

In educational programmes, language continued to be strongly featured. One Minute's English continued to teach English in an easy-to-understand manner. The Putonghua series continued to facilitate learning the language in an entertaining and lively style.

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