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Following is a question by the Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, in the Legislative Council today (November 29):
Question:
It has been reported that the contents of television programmes broadcast on mobile phones and other mobile communication devices are not subject to the regulation of the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards issued by the Broadcasting Authority. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it plans to step up the regulation of such contents; if so, of the details of its plans; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
Under the existing Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap.562), only television programmes services below are licenseable broadcasting services:
(a) domestic free or pay television programme service which is intended or available for reception by an audience of more than 5 000 premises (domestic premises or hotel rooms);
(b) non-domestic television programme service which does not primarily target Hong Kong; and
(c) other licenseable television programme service which is intended or available for reception in hotel rooms only or by an audience of not more than 5 000 premises.
Television programmes provided by broadcasting licensees shall comply with the codes of practice issued by the Broadcasting Authority, including the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards.
Video programme services available for reception by mobile phones and other mobile communication devices (mobile television services) do not fall within the above definition of licenseable broadcasting services under the Broadcasting Ordinance. Programme contents of mobile television services are therefore not subject to the regulation of the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards issued by the Broadcasting Authority. However, they are subject to regulation pursuant to the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Cap.390).
In view of the rapid development of mobile television services worldwide, we are working on a policy framework for the development of mobile television services in Hong Kong and intend to consult the public early next year. We will seek views from the public and the industry on various regulatory issues, including whether, and if so how, programme contents of mobile television services should be regulated.
Ends/Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:00
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