Response to Media Enquiries on the CA’s Decision on the Complaint Case Against TVB’s Pre-emption of RTHK’s Programme “Headliner”

In response to media enquiries relating to the Communications Authority ("CA")'s decision on the complaint case against Television Broadcasts Limited ("TVB")'s pre-emption of the television programme "Headliner" of Radio Television Hong Kong ("RTHK"), the spokesperson for the Office of the Communications Authority said today (6 November 2017) :

The CA respects the editorial independence of TVB and appreciates that TVB needs to make proper programme rescheduling having regard to actual circumstances.

However, it was incumbent upon TVB to comply with the licence conditions and the requirements under the established mechanism.  In other words, if there is a need for TVB to reschedule a RTHK programme, it should submit an application to the CA beforehand (or even afterwards). The requirement and arrangement has all long been in place.  As a matter of fact, the CA did approve similar applications from TVB in the past.  If TVB made an application to the CA for the rescheduling of the RTHK programme concerned that day, the CA would, as always, handle the application as soon as possible according to the established mechanism and TVB should be able to avoid breaching the relevant requirements.  In fact, the reason for the CA to issue strong advice to TVB in respect of the complaints this time was precisely because TVB had failed to follow the established practices and to comply with the relevant procedures.

Communications Authority

6 November 2017

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