Communications Authority press release
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This press release summarises the Communications Authority (CA)'s decisions following its 56th meeting in October 2016:
The CA considered three complaint cases in respect of Hong Kong Television Entertainment Company Limited (HKTVE)'s non-compliance with the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards (TV Programme Code):
(a) Complaints against the television programme "Descendants of the Sun" broadcast on the ViuTV Channel of HKTVE on April 6, 7 and 29, and May 6, 12 and 13, 2016. The CA decided that HKTVE should be advised to observe more closely the relevant provisions in the TV Programme Code;
(b) Complaints against the television programme "Happy TVMost Birthday to Me" broadcast on the ViuTV Channel of HKTVE on May 11, 2016. The CA decided that HKTVE should be advised to observe more closely the relevant provisions in the TV Programme Code; and
(c) Complaints against the television programmes "Night Talkļ¼PK Battle" broadcast on the ViuTV Channel of HKTVE on April 30; May 7, 21 and 28; June 18 and 25; and July 9, 16 and 23, 2016. The CA considered that the nature of the breach in this case was essentially the same as that in respect of the first three episodes of the programme series for which sanction had been imposed on HKTVE. Taking into account all relevant factors, the CA decided that no further sanction be imposed on HKTVE for the breach in the current case. Nonetheless, HKTVE has been reminded of its responsibility as a licensee to ensure that any materials delivered on its licensed services should comply with the relevant codes of practice.
Details of the above cases are at: www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_713/appx_20161025_en.pdf.
The complaints against "Descendants of the Sun" and "Happy TVMost Birthday to Me" listed above concerned indirect advertising in television programmes. As announced in a press release issued by the CA in June 2016, the CA has expedited its research on the regulation of indirect advertising and product/service sponsorship over free TV services in overseas jurisdictions and is making preparations to conduct a survey to gauge the community's attitude and views towards the existing regulatory regime. This will facilitate the CA's consideration of the way forward for the regulatory regime governing indirect advertising and sponsorship. Until any revisions are made, licensees must continue to adhere to the existing provisions in the codes of practice.
Ends/Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:03
Issued at HKT 16:03
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