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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

average number of RTHK programme viewers during prime time on TVB and ATV was 1 215 000 and 344 000, respectively. An annual independent survey on quality showed that RTHK programmes continued to attract top ratings and support from the public. Most of RTHK's programmes focused on promoting civic responsibility and social awareness. Current affairs programmes and documentaries remained in great demand. Through the weekly Common Sense, Headliners, City Forum, Media Watch, Legco Review, Children News Magazine and Basic Law, current issues were explored and analysed to promote better understanding of social events.

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The former RTHK drama series Below the Lion Rock returned to the screen. It reflected the most recent chapters of Hong Kong's history in the run-up to 1997. Under the Same Roof dealt with family problems. All In A Family described in a lively way how Western and Eastern cultures could mix harmoniously in Hong Kong. Disabled Employees high- lighted the successful integration of a disabled person into the community through a docu- drama format.

In the variety area, a number of specials were produced to promote rehabilitation projects. Project Sunshine successfully raised funds for Caritas Hong Kong. Other programmes such as International Year of the Family Telematch, Environmental Protection Festival 94, CYC Drama and Primary School Quiz and Academic Quiz covered a wide range of concerns and different target audiences.

In educational programmes, language continued to be strongly featured. One Minute's English,-Putonghua and The Cantonese Language Programme aimed to facilitate the learning of languages through a light and lively approach. In the financial area, Money Programme gave out the latest financial information and explored the trends in Hong Kong's fast-growing economic environment.

There were also programmes associated with different aspects of daily life. Crucial Moments and Doctor and You covered topics in the medical arena, while Consumer Programme sought to foster public awareness of consumer rights.

RTHK's Educational Television Division and the Education Department continued to produce curriculum-based and special educational programmes for more than 600 000 students from Primary 3 to Secondary 3 levels.

Sound Broadcasting

Fifteen radio channels are broadcast in Hong Kong -seven operated by Radio Television Hong Kong, three by Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited, three by Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited and two by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS).

Radio Television Hong Kong (Radio)

RTHK, a publicly-funded station, is charged with providing balanced and objective broadcasting services to inform, educate and entertain the people of Hong Kong. Its news and public affairs programmes aim to provide timely, accurate and in-depth news reports. The Director of Broadcasting is the station's editor-in-chief.

RTHK broadcasts 1 148 hours a week. Its main Chinese and English services, Radio 1 and Radio 3, respectively, operate 24 hours-a-day. Each of the station's seven channels has established an individual identity.

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