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The following are the remarks made by the Director of Broadcasting (Designate), Mr Franklin Wong Wah-kay, on his appointment today (August 7) (English portion):
Director of Broadcasting (Designate): Ladies and gentlemen, I am very honoured to be appointed as the Director of Broadcasting by the Government. I note that the appointment process has attracted very much attention from the media and the public. I fully understand the great responsibility trusted on me.
With its 80 years of operation, RTHK has been providing round-the-clock information, education and entertainment service to Hong Kong's public. Its quality productions have not only won the applause of local audience but also many awards from overseas. With the abundance of information nowadays, a reliable source of quality programming from RTHK is more important than ever.
RTHK was my cradle. My career took root in Radio Hong Kong, the predecessor of RTHK. I worked as an announcer, commentator, reporter and producer. I then joined the team setting up the new television service, and that is, the letter "T" of RTHK, and produced and directed RTHK's first drama series "Below the Lion Rock", which remained popular for over two decades. I am always proud of being a member of RTHK. Later I was seconded to ICAC, responsible for publicity and education.
After leaving the Government, I went into commercial programme production in Hong Kong and elsewhere, and I had served in a number of major overseas broadcasting networks, gaining extensive experience in programming and administration.
As a media worker and broadcaster, I have a strong passion and commitment for my job. I am willing to listen to advice, and eager to learn from the ever-changing media landscape.
Upon my appointment, I will work closely with all RTHK staff to enhance governance, and to ensure that every cent of public money is well spent and well accounted for.
As for the programming direction, RTHK will maintain its high standards in fairness and objectivity and produce programmes with depth and innovation.
The Government is about to review its policy on public service broadcasting. As the Director of Broadcasting, I will lead my RTHK staff to take active part in the review and consultation process, aiming to reach the consensus for the future development of public service broadcasting in Hong Kong.
I will work hand in hand with my colleagues in RTHK to face the challenges ahead and provide our best to the viewing and listening public.
I wish that you all will tune in to Radio Television Hong Kong more often in the future. Thank you.
Reporter: Should RTHK be separated from the Government to become the new public broadcaster? And secondly, what is the vision of RTHK? Should it be the new public broadcaster?
Director of Broadcasting (Designate): As I said, there will be public consultation and review of public service broadcasting in Hong Kong. This should be a very important agenda for the future consultation. For my part, I will lead RTHK staff to really actively participate and in the whole process, hoping to reach a consensus for the future on broadcasting as a whole and RTHK's future.
Reporter: What do you think?
Director of Broadcasting (Designate): I will truthfully reflect the hopes and aspirations of the staff and also bridge that and reflect that to the Government.
Reporter: You have been working in Singapore, China and Malaysia and I am sad to report that they are not places that are most renowned for press freedom. So how do you address concerns that you may not be upholding the freedom of information and editorial independence as strongly as you should?
Director of Broadcasting (Designate): For RTHK, the framework agreement with the Government already ensures that it has editorial independence, and this I'm sure will be maintained and upheld by RTHK. In Singapore, I never had interference from the Government on making programmes. I also had independent editorial rights.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:40
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