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The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Review of Public Service Broadcasting:
The Committee on Review of Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) announced today (August 4) the establishment of three focus groups to examine the governance structure, accountability measures and funding arrangements of a public broadcaster.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Raymond Wong, said the Committee had met with many organisations and individuals to hear their views, and received about 120 written submissions. "We also convened the International Conference on PSB in June, which deepened our understanding of the status, function, funding, governance, accountability and programming of overseas public broadcasting organisations," Mr Wong said. "In the next stage of the review, the Committee will formulate recommendations and appropriate arrangements for the provision of PSB in Hong Kong, as well as implementation plans for the short, medium and long term."
"The Committee has invited individuals with a deep understanding and interest in PSB governance structure, accountability measures and funding arrangements to join the Focus Groups in their personal capacity. They will explore possible options, examine the pros and cons, and help develop feasible proposals," Mr Wong said. "The Focus Groups will expand our pool of expertise, and I am sure members will help the Committee develop sustainable proposals for a PSB regime purpose-built for Hong Kong."
Focus Group members are drawn from the broadcasting, culture, performing arts, academic, professional and social services sectors. Each group will be convened by a Committee member, and work towards completing its deliberations in the first half of September.
Mr Wong said the Committee planned to organise a town-hall meeting in late September to share the findings of the Focus Groups and listen to public views. "Later, we may also form a focus group or conduct a workshop on PSB programming scope and external commissioning."
The Focus Group members are set out below. The discussion scopes of the three groups are available on the Committee's website (www.psb.org.hk).
Focus Group on PSB Governance Structure
Prof Judy Tsui (Convener), Mr Chong Chan-yau, Prof Richard MW Ho, Mr Law Yuk-kai, Mr William LF Lee, Dr Lee Pang-kwong, Mr David Sun, Ms Nancy Tse, and Dr Yan Mei-ning
Focus Group on PSB Accountability Measures
Prof Leung Tin-wai (Convener), Mr Chan Yiu-wah, Dr CK Law, Prof Clement YK So, Mr Tik Chi-yuen, Prof Timothy KY Wong, and Prof Angelina Yuen Tsang Woon-ki
Focus Group on PSB Funding Arrangements
Mr Chan King-cheung (Convener), Dr Cheung Chor-yung, Mr Andrew Fung Wai-kwong, Ms Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Mr Eric Li, Ms Nansun Shi, Dr James Sung Lap-kung, Mr Peter Wan, and Ms Ada Wong Ying-kay
Ends/Friday, August 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:31
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