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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, on the Asia Television Limited (ATV) at a media session at the Legislative Council Complex today (February 3):
Reporter: What kind of ... the Communications Authority has heard from ATV? And what is the contingency when the Government ... if ATV does not sustain its operation ...?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Yes, I would answer your question. There is different aspect to that. First of all, we must ensure that ATV complies with the licensing terms and conditions. Concern was raised about the provision of news programming. And I have indicated before that according to the licensing conditions they have to have news reporting twice in the evening between 6pm to 12 midnight for not less than 15 minutes of news reporting. So far they have been delivering that. But the Communications Authority will be paying attention to see and to ensure that ATV complies with these terms and conditions. In the event of non-compliance, they will handle it in accordance with the usual practice. And I think they are paying close attention at the moment.
Reporter: Is the Government aware that RTHK has to increase its output? And that RTHK does not have increased resources from the Government?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I said it time after time, this digital programming in RTHK channel will be broadcast in the analogue platform.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:37
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