ENG-2001 — Page 432

CHAPTER 19

Communications, the Media and Information Technology

364

EXCELLENT Communications have been an essential element in Hong Kong's development as an international business and financial centre. The HKSAR has one of the most sophisticated telecommunications markets in the world, and its people are kept well informed by a vigorous media.

The introduction of rapidly developing new technologies and the opening up of markets in these fields has given a powerful boost to the dissemination of information. For example, the telecommunications market will be fully liberalised from January 2003. There will be no pre-set limit on the number of licences to be issued or on timing for application. In line with international best practices, there will also be no requirement on performance bond or capital expenditure. A liberalised market will lead to proliferation of innovative services at competitive prices that benefit consumers and businesses at large. In broadcasting, the Government took a major step in liberalising the television market by issuing new pay television licences. The new services are expected to bring in many more television programme channels. A vibrant television market will not only widen viewers' choice, but also enhance Hong Kong's position as a regional broadcasting hub.

The public's access to information has been widened: an administrative code of practice on access to government information, committing the Government to even greater transparency in its work, has been in effect since 1995.

The rights of the individual are also safeguarded. Legislation is in place on the collection, holding, processing and use of personal data. This legislation, based on international principles, is enforced by an independent data protection authority.

The Mass Media

Hong Kong's mass media at the end of 2001 included 53 daily newspapers, a number of electronic newspapers, 709 periodicals, two free-to-air commercial television companies, five subscription television licensees, 12 non-domestic television programme licensees, one government radio-television station and two commercial radio stations.

The availability of the latest in telecommunications technology and keen interest in its affairs have attracted many international news agencies, newspapers with international readership and overseas broadcasting corporations to establish regional headquarters or representative offices in Hong Kong. The successful regional publications produced in Hong Kong underline its important position as a financial, industrial, trading and communications centre.