TS Tsang urges free Olympic broadcast

July 09, 2012

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing says the Government wants television stations to exercise their corporate social responsibility in making Olympic events viewable to the public.
 
Speaking to the media after attending a radio show today, Mr Tsang said the Government has studied the possibility of broadcasting the Olympic Games at government venues, including some stadiums and community halls, but their capacities are very limited.
 
He said the venues can only accommodate thousands of people, whereas free-to-air television reaches an audience of millions.
 
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said he has met the management of the three television stations negotiating over the Olympics broadcast, and hopes they will meet viewers' expectations.
 
"It is incumbent on me to convey the wish of the people of Hong Kong that they should be able to watch the Olympic Games on a free-TV platform, and this I have impressed upon the management of the three TV stations."
 
He said the broadcasting of major sports events is a commercial issue in which the Government cannot interfere. However, he added he may meet the stations’ management again to help ensure a satisfactory outcome.