CEDB responds to CA's decision on complaints against "Pentaprism"
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"The Government noted that the CA has issued a press release today, covering its decision regarding complaints against an episode of the RTHK programme 'Pentaprism'. The Government respects the CA's decision regarding the complaints against RTHK.
In its decision, the CA took the view that the programme was in breach of various provisions in the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards (the Code), including contents containing inaccurate and distorted information, without conducting any fact checking on its own, and involving hate speech. The CA has decided that RTHK should be seriously warned and be urged to observe more closely the relevant provisions.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) took the view that RTHK, as a public service broadcaster, being ruled to have breached the Code is a matter of serious nature. RTHK must promptly respond to the CA's decision in a positive and responsible manner, including a full review of its editorial oversight of the programme production so as to avoid the recurrence of similar mistakes.
The SCED stressed that RTHK must fully abide by the Charter of RTHK, duly meet their obligations as a public service broadcaster, strictly comply with the relevant codes of practice issued by the CA and ensure attaining professional standards as required of it."
Ends/Monday, April 20, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:05
Issued at HKT 21:05
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