Hong Kong – The SAR’s government says it intends to amend the draft charter for Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to strengthen provisions ensuring editorial independence of the broadcaster. However, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Elizabeth Tse, told a Legislative Council panel meeting that the administration will not scrap a controversial proposal to set up a government-appointed board of advisers to oversee and offer advice on the direction of RTHK programmes. However, RTHK’s Programme Staff Union reiterated that a board of advisors was not acceptable, and would in their views erode the station’s editorial independence. Union Chairwoman, Janet Mak, urged the government to consult the public on the RTHK charter, and said the union will seek public views itself, if the government fails to do so.