Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So says the Communications Authority will ensure broadcaster ATV complies with its free-to-air licence requirements until it expires on April 1.
Mr So told reporters today that ATV has so far complied with the licensing requirement to broadcast at least two 15-minute news programmes every day between 6pm and midnight.
The Communications Authority will handle any breach of licensing conditions in accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance, he added.
Radio Television Hong Kong has made preparations to take over ATV's analogue spectrum once the licence expires, to facilitate a seamless transition.
Mr So said the Labour Department will provide suitable assistance to ATV staff and appeal to other free TV broadcasters to consider their needs.
He noted that HK Television Entertainment Company will provide a Chinese digital channel from April 1, while Fantastic Television has been granted an extension to March 18 to comply with the licensing conditions specified in the Executive Council's approval-in-principle.
