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The following is issued on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority:
The Broadcasting Authority (BA) uploaded today (July 9) on the BA website (www.hkba.hk), and published in the South China Morning Post and Ming Pao, notices regarding the applications of Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited, Wave Media Limited and Phoenix Radio Limited for sound broadcasting licences to provide digital audio broadcasting services. (Copies of the notices are at Annex.) The particulars of the applications in the notices are provided by the three applicants. Nothing in the notices shall affect or prejudice any powers, discretion and rights of the BA or the Government.
Members of the public are invited to express their views on the applications and, in particular, on the information relating to the company, financial, programming and technical aspects as submitted by the applicants.
On February 11, 2010, the Government invited interested parties to submit applications to the BA by April 30, 2010, for providing digital audio broadcasting services. By the close of the application period, the BA had received applications from the above-mentioned three applicants. After consulting the Telecommunications Authority on the applicants' proposed use of frequency, the BA is satisfied that the applications have met the prerequisites under section 13B(2) of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106), i.e. availability of suitable frequency spectrum on which the proposed sound broadcasting services may be broadcast. In accordance with the BA's guidance note for sound broadcasting licence applications (www.hkba.hk/en/radio/application/), the BA will consult the public on the applications by publishing the notices.
The BA will assess the applications according to criteria prescribed in section 13C(4) of the Telecommunications Ordinance, including public opinion; whether the applicants and all persons exercising control of the applicants are fit and proper persons; financial soundness of the applicants; the availability of the necessary technical expertise and relevant managerial skill; the variety, quantity and quality of programmes; technical viability and quality of service; speed of service roll-out; any inconvenience that may be caused to the public by any construction work to be carried out; benefits to the local broadcasting industry, audience and the community as a whole; and quality control and compliance, before making its recommendations to the Chief Executive in Council on the applications.
Members of the public can submit their comments in writing to the BA by July 30, 2010, through any of the following means -
By post: The Broadcasting Authority
c/o Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority
39/F, Revenue Tower
5, Gloucester Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
By fax: (852) 2507 2219 (open)
(852) 2598 5509 (confidential)
By e-mail: ba@tela.gov.hk
Ends/Friday, July 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:25
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