Govt consulting public on license renewal for three local TV stations

The government is consulting the public regarding the renewal of licenses for the three local TV stations.

The Communication Authority revealed that it is inclined to relax the broadcasting time restrictions for non-English programmes on English-language channels.

The licenses for the three domestic free-to-air TV stations will expire next year.

During a panel discussion in Legco, some lawmakers wondered if the Broadcasting Ordinance could be loosened, such as allowing more product placement, or reviewing the restrictions on non-English shows on English channels.

Kenneth Fok, Legco member for Sports, Performing Arts, Culture and Publication, said: "For English-programme channels, are they really that popular? In fact, such channels are not viable so the licensees just purchased low quality English programmes to satisfy the legislation requirement."

Chaucer Leung, Director-General of Communications, said: "We are thinking of how we can relax the rules to promote the development such as product placement in programmes, and also whether in our English channels can we relax the rules to allow programmes of other languages and child programmes.

"We are thinking of relaxing the rules and make recommendations to the CE."

Meanwhile, some legislators suggested the RTHK launch an AI-powered platform to help the public get information faster.

"We are carrying out consolidation and upgrading work," said Angelina Kwan, Director of Broadcasting. "After our website is enhanced, it will be even easier for people to search for RTHK programmes. You said it could be programmes with themes on Hong Kong, I think in our optimised app, we will see how we can install special functions, making it easier for users to search for programmes."

The panel discussion also covered the development of the new RTHK headquarters in Tseung Kwan O.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau said the government is still looking at the budget and the actual needs to formulate a plan.