Hong Kong – An independent public service broadcasting review committee has recommended that Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) not be the foundation of the proposed independent pubcaster, to avoid inheriting the government department’s bureaucratic structure and work culture.

There has been widespread concern over RTHK’s editorial independence as it operates within the government under the Broadcasting Authority and receives direct government funding. RTHK runs seven radio channels and produces television programmes that are aired by local TV stations.

The seven-member panel headed by veteran journalist Raymond Roy Wong was formed in January 2006 to assess the future of public broadcasting in Hong Kong. It has recommended: Hong Kong’s pubcaster should be independent from the government structure, with non-civil servant staff and legal protection for its independence. It should own radio and TV channels to air its programmes which should be diverse and provide content lacking in commercial broadcasting. The pubcaster should be accountable to the Audit Commission, the Ombudsman, the Broadcasting Authority, the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, and external assessors.

The review report, due to be released soon, will not discuss the fate of RTHK but it will address process of forming the new body, possibly via the leadership of a preparatory committee. Public consultation will also be factored into the process and the new pubcaster should launch within 18 to 24 months of the final decision.