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The following is issued on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority:

The Broadcasting Authority Annual Report for the period September 1997-August 1998 was tabled at the Legislative Council today (Wednesday). The Report gave an account of the work of the Broadcasting Authority for that period and included the codes of practice for different broadcasting services in Hong Kong.

The year 1997-98 had been a fruitful year for the Broadcasting Authority. In March 1998, Hong Kong became the first city in the world to launch a video-on-demand television programme service on a significant commercial scale and the Authority issued a set of codes of practice for this new type of service. In July 1998, the Authority issued a new set of codes of practice for satellite television to support the Government's initiatives to revamp the regulatory framework for satellite television broadcasting.

During the year, the Authority commenced work on the mid-term review of the licence held by Hong Kong Cable Television Limited and commissioned an independent survey to collect subscribers' views on its service. The review is expected to be completed this year.

The Authority has also taken positive steps to increase its transparency. Since May 1998, it has published a bimonthly complaints bulletin and conducted regular briefing sessions with the media to explain its decisions.

In early 1998, the Authority visited the relevant regulatory bodies in the United States and the United Kingdom to acquire first-hand information on the latest development in digital television, and has exchanged views with its overseas counterparts on various important regulatory issues.

The Authority has also been closely involved in the 1998 Television Policy Review and supported the Government's broad policy direction to enhance Hong Kong as a centre where new and innovative broadcasting services will flourish.

The annual report is now on sale at the Government Publications Centre and is available for perusal at District Offices and in public libraries. It will be available at the Broadcasting Authority website (http://www.hkba.org.hk).

End/Wednesday, April 21, 1999

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