ENG-1994 — Page 420

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

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Relaxations in programme sponsorship rules and other amendments to bring the codes in line with the Bill of Rights were introduced for the satellite radio programme code, after similar changes had been made to the terrestrial radio programme code. More changes are expected to be made to the codes as a result of the mid-term review of the two terrestrial television licences.

Television Viewing Advisory Scheme

The television viewing advisory scheme has been in operation for 12 years. Under the scheme, 19 district television viewing groups, with a total membership of over 600, have been formed. Members comprise individuals representing different sectors of the community.

There are also three regional panels with membership drawn from the 19 district television viewing groups, an advisory panel on English-language television services and an advisory panel on children's and youth television programmes. All these panels are chaired by members of the Broadcasting Authority. Members of the groups and panels provide the authority with information on their viewing habits and opinions on the various television services available in Hong Kong.

Film Industry

Despite the popularity of video clubs and the widespread ownership of video cassette recorders, cinema-going remained a popular leisure activity. Attendances in 1994 totalled 35 million, compared with 45 million in 1993. The number of cinemas was 183, compared with 190 in 1993. Mini-cinemas in many cases replaced large cinemas and proved popular. While imported films continued to be popular, good quality local films were still the favourites. During the year, locally-produced films totalled 589 (including seven co- productions) compared with 426 (including 19 co-productions) in 1993. Action films and comedies continued to dominate the market. The biggest box-office hits for the year included Drunken Master II (which grossed $41 million), From China with Love ($38 million), Treasure Hunt ($37 million), and Love on Delivery ($37 million). The film C'est La Vie, Mon Cheri won the best movie, best director, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress and best screenplay awards at the 13th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Films are classified into three categories: those approved for exhibition to persons of any age (Category I); those advertised as 'not suitable for children' (Category II); and those to be exhibited only to people aged 18 years or above (Category III). Classification standards are based on the results of regular surveys of community views. A statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 300 members drawn from a wide cross-section of the community, assists in the classification process.

During the year, 1689 films intended for public exhibition were submitted for classification, compared with 1 399 in 1993. Of these, 250 were classified Category I (seven with excisions), 742 Category II (60 with excisions) and 697 Category III (344 with excisions). A total of 5 213 items, including film trailers, instructional films and cultural films, were exempted from classification.

The Film Censorship (Amendment) Ordinance 1993 came into operation in January 1994. It enables the Film Censorship Authority to regulate the release of cinema films in the form of videotapes and laserdiscs.

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