ENG-1995 — Page 394

COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Complaints Committee

All complaints relating to television and radio broadcasting are considered by the authority's Complaints Committee, unless they are of a trivial or frivolous nature. Complaints may be lodged in writing or through a 24-hour hotline provided by the authority.

During the year, the authority dealt with 1 714 complaints regarding the quality and standards of television and radio programmes and advertisements and reception problems. Acting on the recommendations of the Complaints Committee, the authority issued 16 warnings and 13 serious warnings. It imposed two financial penalties of $10,000 each.

Working Group on Review of Codes of Practice

The Working Group on Review of Codes of Practice of the Broadcasting Authority met regularly to review the codes of practice on programmes, advertising and technical standards issued by the Broadcasting Authority governing commercial television, satellite television, subscription television, radio and satellite radio. During the year the Working Group concentrated its work on studying these codes and making suggestions to the Broadcasting Authority on the proposed amendments. These included a new requirement for commercial television to classify programmes into Parental Guidance and Mature categories for screening after the family viewing hours; the introduction of provisions regulating the promotion of harmful superstition and hypnotism; and the revision of the codes governing the depiction of violence, the protection of children and investigative reporting.

Following a review, restrictions on the advertising of columbaria and sanitary products were relaxed. A new code was added to restrict the broadcast of advertisements for adult infoline services offering adult material of a sexual nature. All the recommendations were endorsed by the Broadcasting Authority during the year.

Television Viewing Advisory Scheme

The Television Viewing Advisory Scheme was introduced in 1982 to provide the Broadcasting Authority with opinions and suggestions on television broadcasts. Under the scheme, 18 district television viewing groups, with a total membership of over 550, have been formed. Members represent different sections of the community. Three regional panels with membership drawn from the 18 district television viewing groups, an advisory panel on English-language television services and an advisory panel on children's and youth television programmes have been formed to facilitate communication with the Broadcasting Authority. All these panels are chaired by members of the authority.

Film Industry

Despite the popularity of videotapes and laserdiscs, cinema-going remained a popular leisure activity. Attendances in 1995 totalled 28 million at 180 cinemas, compared with 35 million and 183 cinemas in 1994. Mini-cinemas in many cases replaced large cinemas and proved popular.

Imported films continued to be popular, but good-quality local films were still in demand. During the year, Hong Kong produced 503 films and videos compared with

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