Hong Kong’s new RTHK chief lists ‘pressing tasks’ as he faces media glare minutes into the job
Hong Kong’s new director of broadcasting, Leung Ka-wing, is minutes into his new job today and already he is bombarded with questions from reporters at the Kowloon Tong headquarters of RTHK, the city’s public radio and television station.
RTHK's new boss started his job yesterday with a vow to face political pressure squarely if it arises, while staff urged him to act according to his conscience.
Director of Broadcasting Leung Ka-wing was bombarded with questions at the Kowloon Tong headquarters of Hong Kong's public radio and television station.
Asked repeatedly whether the public broadcaster would be able to remain independent and whether it might have to take "political directives", the veteran news chief noted that editorial independence was enshrined in RTHK's charter, adding that he was not sure what "political directives" meant exactly.
"I'll cross that bridge if we come to it," he said. "It would be helpful if my colleagues could give me some examples of 'political directives' that their bosses have had to deal with in the past."
Leung said his most pressing tasks were to take over part of the broadcast spectrum released by failing television station ATV, and to build a new RTHK headquarters in Tseung Kwan O.
The financially troubled ATV will lose its free-to-air licence next April.
