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.
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.
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.
On the other side of the world, the BBC is one step ahead as it tackles the questions of the corporation's role in society and its influence during the digital switchover and fast-paced technological development. The British review sets forth six public purposes for the BBC: sustaining citizenship and civil society; promoting education and learning; stimulating creativity and cultural excellence - including film; reflecting Britain's nations, regions and communities; bringing the world to the UK and the UK to the world; and building a digital Britain.
