The Chief Executive in Council has renewed the analogue sound broadcasting licences of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited and Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited for 12 years to August 25, 2028 subject to a mid-term review in 2022.
Announcing the decision today, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said the Communications Authority made recommendations for the renewals after conducting a comprehensive performance assessment of the two stations and a consultation exercise to gauge public views on their services.
The authority considered the two stations had generally complied with the statutory requirements, licence conditions and codes of practice in programming, advertising and technical standards, Mr So said.
The authority also accepted their investment plans and was satisfied with their financial capability to deliver their commitments, he added.
Commercial Radio and Metro Radio's conditions in the renewed licences are largely based on their existing licences, with new commitments incorporated and updates made where necessary.
The stations have also undertaken to review and revise their written guidelines to strengthen guidance to their staff to ensure strict compliance with the impartiality requirements for factual programmes dealing with public policy matters or controversial public issues, as set out in the radio code of practice on programme standards.
Mr So noted that there was no delay in the recommendation process and that the renewal applications were processed in accordance with the law and the related procedures were followed.
