The Chief Executive in Council has promulgated a set of criteria for the granting of licences for sound broadcasting services which will be gazetted July 10 and tabled at the Legislative Council in October.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau said today the criteria are based on local experience in considering broadcasting licence applications and overseas best practices.

Subject to the availability of suitable spectrum, applications for sound broadcasting licences will be considered according to:

* financial soundness and commitment to investment;

* managerial and technical expertise;

* programme variety, quantity and quality;

* technical soundness and quality;

* speed of service rollout;

* the extent of inconvenience caused by construction work;

* benefits to the local broadcasting industry, the audience and the community as a whole;

* quality control and compliance capability; and,

* fit and proper staff.

The Broadcasting Authority will adopt the same set of criteria in making recommendations on sound broadcasting licence applications to the Chief Executive in Council.