***************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority:

The following is the response of the Broadcasting Authority (BA) today (June 20) to the views of the public on its decision on the complaints against two episodes of "Tea Cup in the Storm" in the Commercial Radio:

The BA fully respects freedom of speech. It has never intended to limit this freedom through the exercise of its authority. The BA carries out its duties and responsibilities charged by law in accordance with the principles of fairness and impartiality. Such duties and responsibilities include ensuring that TV and radio stations will fully comply with the standards set out in the codes of practice.

In the handling of the complaints in relation to "Tea Cup in the Storm", the BA has given the Commercial Radio two opportunities to submit representations. The representations and the recommendation made by the Complaints Committee were fully considered by the BA before it arrived at its decision.

The BA notes the opinion expressed by the community in the past few days. In accordance with the existing legislation, the BA will not reconsider the decision. If the licensee is aggrieved by the decision, it can appeal to the Chief Executive in Council within 30 days after receiving the notification from the BA.

End/Friday, June 20, 2003

NNNN