A lawmaker has called on the government to ensure more English-language TV and radio programming, two years after the government relaxed rules for programming hours.
At a legislative meeting on Wednesday, pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee said Hong Kong needed to capitalise on its strengths and position as a international hub for high-calibre talent ahead of the upcoming 15th National Games and other international events.
Lee, who heads the DAB party, urged the “setting up of well-established English information channels for [the] demonstration of Hong Kong’s cultural diversity, openness and inclusiveness…,” including a 24-hour RTHK English-language channel and the use of social media platforms.
It comes two years after the required broadcast hours for English programming on English-language stations was reduced from 80 per cent to 55 per cent.
Public consultation
According to a written response by Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan, there are a total of five English-language TV channels and three radio channels in Hong Kong.
“These help exhibit Hong Kong’s diversity and global vision, proactively telling good stories of the country and Hong Kong and enabling non-Chinese speaking persons in Hong Kong to have a better understanding of various information about Hong Kong and Mainland China,” Chan’s response said.
As for international talent, The Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) provides them comprehensive support services aiding their integration into local society, he added: “[T]he HKTE’s promotional and publicity materials, including its online platform, TV Announcements in the Public Interest, social media posts, etc, are already fully available in English, and its themed seminars on living in Hong Kong also offer online livestreaming and simultaneous interpretation services.”
According to Chan, the Information Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will continue producing more English-language social media content, including for promoting the upcoming National Games.
In the third quarter of this year, the Office of the Communications Authority will launch a public consultation on the free-to-air TV licence renewals.
