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The Government set out by a notice in the Gazette today (September 3) that a mid-term review of the sound broadcasting licences of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited (CRHK) and Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited (Metro) will begin on September 16.
The current licences of CRHK and Metro have a validity period of 12 years from August 26, 2004, to August 25, 2016. The licences are subject to review on such dates on or after August 26, 2010, as determined by the Chief Executive, when they have run for half of their validity period or six years. The Chief Executive has determined that the review should start on September 16.
The mid-term review provides an opportunity for the Broadcasting Authority (BA) to assess the performance of the two licensees since August 2004. The BA intends to invite the public to give their views from September 16 to November 15. Details will be announced in due course.
Based on the assessment and public views collected during the review, the BA may propose amendments to the respective licences with a view to improving the services provided by the two licensees. It will submit recommendations to the Chief Executive in Council for consideration and approval after the review.
Ends/Friday, September 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:30
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