Advertisement

Future shockwaves

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP

They are miles apart in location and scale, but Radio Television Hong Kong has two things in common with broadcasting giant the British Broadcasting Corporation. Both organisations are in their 80s, and both are undergoing reforms that could deliver radical changes to the institutions.

Advertisement

Cloaked as a review of public service broadcasting, the Hong Kong inquiry launched in January aimed to be a 'fundamental and critical review of public service broadcasting in Hong Kong', in which RTHK plays a core role.

It is no surprise that since the process began three months ago, the role of RTHK has dominated debate, while talks on the overall public service broadcast provision are almost invisible.

Advertisement

The seven-member committee headed by veteran broadcast journalist Raymond Roy Wong has yet to show its cards, but RTHK management and a considerable number of its staff have expressed support for the idea of corporatisation of the broadcaster.

They argue that a funding mechanism - modelled on the BBC's licence fee scheme - is worth considering, as it would save RTHK from government intervention and maintain editorial independence.

Advertisement