Hong Kong – Radio Television Hong Kong will be retained as a government department and will serve as the public service broadcaster in Hong Kong, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau announced last week. Lau said the new RTHK will be given new resources to enhance its service. Editorial independence will be maintained. Measures will be introduced to ensure greater public accountability and oversight of its programming. She said a recent government survey found 60% of respondents felt RTHK should be maintained as it is or enhance its operation. Only 20% were in favour of establishing a new organisation to replace it. RTHK will be given sufficient financial, staffing and spectrum resources enabling it to enhance operations, including the provision of digital radio and television channels as platforms for more local original content production. There will be more overseas co-operation to broadcast a greater variety of international radio and television programmes. Use will be made of the spectrum to relay national radio and television programmes to enhance understanding of Mainland developments. Chief Executive Donald Tsang said the new arrangements are good for the public, RTHK and its staff. “The public will be able to enjoy services of high quality and greater diversity from RTHK. The station will be tasked to launch digital TV and radio services, promote community participation in broadcasting, and provide multi-cultural programmes and national broadcasting,” Tsang said.