MESSAGE

         I am pleased to present the Policy Programme of the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau. My colleagues in the Bureau and our executive departments, Radio Television Hong Kong and the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, with the support of the related statutory bodies and non-government organisations, are determined to pursue and achieve the policy objectives and tasks outlined in this Programme.

         Our broadcasting industry has entered a new phase of development. In addition to further and even more rapid technological advancement, the next few years will see the increasing convergence of telecommunication, computer and television technologies. With such progress will come greater competition for viewers and, I hope, greater choice and better-quality programmes for the people of Hong Kong. We are committed to working closely with the industry as it continues to expand and will do our utmost to support its growth.

         A flourishing cultural life, and good access to sport and recreation are characteristics which the inhabitants of any great city should be able to find. It is our aim to continue to encourage and promote a dynamic and diverse arts scene in Hong Kong, as well as to strengthen Hong Kong's sporting culture at all levels. We will continue to support the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the Hong Kong Sports Development Board in implementing their strategic plans for arts and sports development into the new century. We will also strengthen efforts to preserve our cultural heritage, and enhance public awareness of it.

         We welcome any comments you may have on our work and invite you to visit our home page at http://www.info.gov.hk/bcsb/.

(Chau Tak-hay)

Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport

INTRODUCTION

         The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to ensuring that it is open and fully accountable to the people of Hong Kong. Policies, aims and programmes must be clear to all so that the Government can be accountable for their delivery. With greater clarity of purpose and accessibility, the public can better access our performance and help us improve our quality of service.

         The Policy Programmes, which underpin the Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive in October 1997, explain the objectives and ongoing work of each Policy Bureau and its supporting departments, as well as Department of Justice, Office of the Judiciary Administrator, Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, and their proposed new commitments for the coming year. They are set out in three sections:

• Objectives state the overall objectives of the Government, according to each programme area, in particular, responsibilities in relation to implementing the Basic Law are spelt out.

• Major Programme Areas list the aims and the important features of each programme area. An overview of the current situation and key performance indicators are given. This section also sets out the Government's new commitments for the coming year.

• Into the 21st Century describes the vision of the Government for a better Hong Kong as we enter the 21st Century and the plans we are making to meet our long-term needs.

Objectives

         The Bureau's objective is to ensure that Hong Kong people have access to a wide choice of high quality broadcasting and entertainment services, cultural, sports and recreational activities, through the creation of an environment in which diversity, freedom of expression, artistic creativity and sporting excellence can thrive.

         We seek to achieve this goal by:

• expanding the choice and improving the quality of broadcasting services while ensuring that programme content does not offend public standards of taste and decency;

• applying the minimum level of regulation necessary to facilitate the provision of various types of entertainment services;

• promoting the development and public enjoyment of the arts and preserving Hong Kong's cultural heritage; and

• providing support for competitive athletes and encouraging participation in sports and recreational activities.

Implementing the Basic Law

         The requirements of the relevant articles of the Basic Law, as listed at Annex, have been reflected in the Bureau's objectives.

         In accordance with Article 149 of the Basic Law, agreement has been reached between Hong Kong's Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may compete as a separate entity in international games, using the name "Hong Kong, China".

Back to INTRODUCTION

Major Programme Areas

         The Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau is responsible for four major programme areas:

1. Broadcasting;

2. Films and other Public Entertainment Services;

3. Arts and Culture; and

4. Sport and Physical Recreation.

A. Broadcasting

Aims

         The aims of the Bureau are:

• to provide a fair and sound regulatory system for all broadcasters;

• to maintain Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) as an effective public broadcaster, providing information, entertainment and educational programmes not normally provided by commercial broadcasters; and

• to facilitate the development of new services so as to widen choice and to promote Hong Kong as a regional broadcasting hub.

Overview

         Broadcasting in Hong Kong has undergone a period of rapid growth in the past decade. The next few years will be a dynamic time of further change and challenge. Apart from the conventional technology of delivering TV programmes by terrestrial radio communication, satellite or cable, transmissions through fixed telecommunication networks will become a reality. Hong Kong will soon see the launch of commercial scale video-on-demand (VOD) programme services.

         In 1998, our broadcasters will start technical trials of digital radio broadcasting and, in parallel, we will be putting forward policy proposals for its formal introduction. We will then move on to study digital television. Work on the review of the television environment has commenced and is expected to be completed in 1998.

Key Indicators

         As at July 1997,

• Four terrestrial television channels and 35 cable television channels are available.

• The satellite television licensee uplinks 21 channels from Hong Kong. Four of them are receivable here.

• 14 other satellite broadcasters uplink their programmes from Hong Kong.

• RTHK now broadcasts seven radio channels.

• The two commercial sound broadcasters carry six channels.

New Commitments

1. Digital radio broadcasting is a new, spectrum-efficient technology in broadcasting which can help overcome the reception problems of traditional AM and FM broadcasts as well as increase channel capacity. We will firm up the parameters for technical trials and formulate policy proposals for implementation.

2. We will complete a review on satellite television broadcasting by the end of 1997, with a view to making the operating environment more conducive to new investments in satellite broadcasting, and to enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness as a regional broadcasting hub.

3. We will conduct a review of the television environment in 1998, taking into account the latest developments in television broadcasting, viewers' interests, market conditions and technological development in the industry. Our aim is to provide a favourable environment for the long-term development of quality television services in Hong Kong.

B. Films and other Public Entertainment Services

Aims

         The aims of the Bureau are:

• to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information on the one hand and protect minors and public morals on the other;

• to maintain a film classification system which gives adults the choice to see what they wish, and filmmakers the creative freedom to depict what they please, while protecting our children and young people from materials likely to harm or disturb them;

• to promote and support the development of the film industry; and

• to promote the provision of safe and wholesome games and entertainment for the enjoyment of individuals and families.

Overview

Films and Public Entertainment

         Hong Kong is a major film producing centre and exporter. We are committed to promoting and supporting the further development of the film industry and to this end have been taking a series of measures to try to improve the operating environment for our filmmakers. Hong Kong hosted its first international film trade fair in June 1997. Some 75 exhibitors and over 500 buyers participated and we expect to see this attraction again next year.

         In anticipation of the demand for family entertainment centres, we have reviewed the existing licensing framework for amusement game centres. We will be putting forward policy proposals for consultation with the industry with a view to facilitating their introduction in Hong Kong.

         In respect of the Internet, which is fast becoming a popular communication and information network, we have, in partnership with Internet service providers, formulated a self-regulatory scheme to tackle the transmissions of obscene and indecent materials in order to prevent their being accessed by children and young people.

Key Indicators

Film Industry

         In 1996-97,

• Guidelines on location shooting have been reviewed by the involved departments with the objective of making the application process more user-friendly and shortening the processing time.

• 1 882 films were classified while packaging of 1 049 video tapes and laserdiscs as well as 4 041 sets of advertising materials were examined.

• 12 941 inspections of cinemas and video shops were conducted, resulting in the issue of 1 324 advisory or warning letters.

Regulation of Obscene and Indecent Materials

         In 1996-97,

• 1 056 prosecutions for breaches of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance were initiated resulting in 736 convictions, and seizure of 243 947 articles.

• 10 500 articles were monitored and 13 300 inspections on retail outlets were conducted.

New Commitments

Film Industry

         In 1998,

1. We will set up a Film Services Office under the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority to render support and assistance to the film industry.

2. We will review the Film Censorship Ordinance with a view to making the regulatory regime as user and business-friendly as possible.

3. We will set up a Film Services Advisory Committee to provide a conduit for dialogue between the film industry and Government and to give advice on the work of the Film Services Office.

4. We will make available a site for film production use in this year's land sale programme.

Entertainment Licensing

5. In 1998, we will rationalise the regulatory framework for various entertainment licences with a view to making them more user and business-friendly and reducing bureaucratic red tape.

Regulation of Obscene and Indecent Materials

6. In 1998, we will conduct a review on the effectiveness of the Code of Practice developed by the industry for regulating obscene and indecent materials transmitted through the Internet.

C. Arts and Culture

Aims

         The aims of the Bureau are:

• to promote the development of the arts through providing financial support, education, publicity and co-ordination; and

• to preserve Hong Kong's cultural heritage and promote public interest in it.

Overview

Development of the arts

         To encourage the development of the arts in Hong Kong, we support the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) in the implementation of its Five-Year Strategic Plan. We will closely monitor the funding needs of the Council and will help prioritise its programmes so as to ensure that its functions can be carried out effectively.

Training of professional artists

         We support the operation of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and, for 1997-98, we will provide the Academy with $190 million to enable it to provide places for some 700 full-time students.

         In 1998, we will allocate about $40 million from the Arts and Sport Development Fund to help the HKADC implement its strategic plan for arts development.

Heritage Preservation

         The Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), under the guidance of the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB), is responsible for the preservation and conservation of antiquities and historical monuments, for conducting archaeological surveys and excavations, and for the promotion of public awareness and interest in Hong Kong's heritage. Through the efforts of the AAB and AMO, 64 monuments were declared, 36 historical buildings were restored, 61 archaeological excavations were organised and 47 heritage publications were produced in the last two decades.

         To mark the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Cap. 53), the AAB, the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust and the AMO have joined hands to implement the Year of Heritage project, which consists of a programme of promotional and educational activities during 1997, including an 'International Conference on Heritage Education' to be held in December.

Key Indicators

Development of the arts

         In 1996-97,

• The HKADC spent $107 million to provide funding support to six General Support Grant and Seeding Grant recipients and some 720 individual arts projects.

• Over 2.8 million people attended activities organised by the General Support Grant and Seeding Grant recipients and individual arts projects funded by the HKADC.

Provision of professional artists

         In 1996-97,

• The HKAPA provided places for some 640 full-time students, of whom 208 were enrolled in degree programmes.

Heritage Preservation

         In 1996-97,

• Four buildings or structures were formally declared as monuments or deemed as monuments.

• Ten buildings were graded by the AAB.

• Four historical buildings were restored.

• 121 archaeological sites were excavated or monitored by the AMO.

• 59 heritage seminars, workshops, conferences, lectures, exhibitions and guided visits to archaeological and historical sites were conducted.

• Ten heritage projects were undertaken on behalf of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust.

• Five heritage publications were produced or assisted in their production by the AMO.

New Commitments

Development of the arts

1. In 1998, we will work closely with the HKADC and other major public bodies in Hong Kong to encourage the display of works of art by local artists in Government buildings and other public premises.

Heritage preservation

         In 1998,

2. We will plan to convert the former AMO at Tsim Sha Tsui into a heritage resource centre to promote public awareness of Hong Kong's heritage.

3. We will publish, on a quarterly basis, a bulletin to promulgate the latest heritage news and activities in Hong Kong.

4. The current web page of the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau will be expanded to offer an additional source of information on Hong Kong's 6 000 years of heritage and to disseminate heritage activities with a view to meeting growing demand and interest.

5. An educational and promotional CD-ROM on Hong Kong's Heritage will be distributed to schools and interested organisations to publicise Hong Kong's rich heritage and provide data on all declared monuments and buildings.

6. We will commence a review of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance to assess its effectiveness in preserving, protecting and promoting our cultural heritage.

7. Largely as a result of the efforts of this Bureau, the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance enacted in February 1997 makes heritage preservation a mandatory requirement in major development projects. We will develop a set of guidelines and procedures for compliance, in anticipation of the Ordinance's enforcement in early 1998.

D. Sport and Physical Recreation

Aims

         The aims of the Bureau are:

• to provide financial and other support to the Hong Kong Sports Development Board (SDB) in the implementation of its five-year strategic plan for promoting sport in Hong Kong;

• to provide financial and other support to enable the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and local sports associations to meet the training and competitive needs of our top athletes; and

• to make available a wide choice of sports and recreational facilities to the general public and to competitive sportsmen and women.

Overview

         We have put in place arrangements to ensure that the SDB has sufficient funding over the next three to four years to enable it to implement the key initiatives in its strategic plan for Hong Kong's sports development. In particular, this will lead to local sports associations becoming better organised, and to local competitive athletes having a firmer platform from which to move on to elite level training and competition.

         We are finalising proposals to ensure the continued viability of training programmes for our top athletes at the HKSI. We will co-ordinate the provision of additional high quality sports facilities for the Special Administrative Region, as well as encourage better use of land set aside for public recreational use. We are financially supporting the recreational activities of numerous non-government organisations through the Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation.

         In 1998, we will allocate up to $20 million from the Arts and Sport Development Fund in order to help the SDB implement its strategic plan for sports development.

Key Indicators

         In 1996-97,

• The Sir David Trench Fund for Recreation awarded 233 grants amounting to $6.2 million.

• 25 non-government camps were given subvention. The average utilisation rate of these camps was 54.5%.

New Commitments

         In 1998,

1. We will financially support the elite training programme at the HKSI for 12 focus sports and a minimum of 13 athletes.

2. We will study, in consultation with other government and non-government agencies, the feasibility of building a major new sports and recreational venue for Hong Kong.

Back to INTRODUCTION

Into the 21st Century

         The last decade of this century has seen rapid expansion of broadcasting services with the launch of sophisticated satellites and advances in consumer hardware. We welcome the introduction of new technology so that the people of Hong Kong may have access to the widest possible choice of services and programmes for enjoyment and the most up-to-date information on the happenings and events of the world. We will also keep up our efforts in encouraging fair competition amongst broadcasters, so that there will be, not just more, but also better quality broadcasting services.

         In the past few years Hong Kong has made great progress in the regional and international sporting arena. We look to enter the 21st century as a sporting power with our athletes in a position to challenge the best in Asia, and with a world and regional venue for international sporting events of the highest calibre.

         On the cultural scene we will continue with efforts to sustain an environment in which freedom of artistic expression, pluralism and diversity will thrive, and awareness of our heritage heightened.

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Chapter III: Fundamental Rights and Duties of the Residents

Article 34

         Hong Kong residents shall have freedom to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other cultural activities.

Chapter IV: Political Structure

Section 5: District Organizations

Article 97

         District organizations which are not organs of political power may be established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to be consulted by the government of the Region on district administration and other affairs, or to be responsible for providing services in such fields as culture, recreation and environmental sanitation.

Article 98

         The powers and functions of the district organizations and the method for their formation shall be prescribed by law.

Chapter VI: Education, Science, Culture, Sports, Religion, Labour and Social Services

Article 140

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on culture and protect by law the achievements and the lawful rights and interests of authors in their literary and artistic creation.

Article 143

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, on its own, formulate policies on sports. Non-governmental sports organizations may continue to exist and develop in accordance with law.

Article 144

         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall maintain the policy previously practised in Hong Kong in respect of subventions for non-governmental organizations in fields such as education, medicine and health, culture, art, recreation, sports, social welfare and social work. Staff members previously serving in subvented organizations in Hong Kong may remain in their employment in accordance with the previous system.

Article 149

         Non-governmental organizations in fields such as education, science, technology, culture, art, sports, the professions, medicine and health, labour, social welfare and social work as well as religious organizations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may maintain and develop relations with their counterparts in foreign countries and regions and with relevant international organizations. They may, as required, use the name "Hong Kong, China" in the relevant activities.

Note

         In addition, all Bureaux/Departments, as well as Department of Justice, Office of the Judiciary Administrator, Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, have joint responsibility for the implementation of the following articles:

Articles 11 (first paragraph), 16, 56 (second paragraph), 62(1) and (2), 64, 142, 148, 150, 151, 152 and 153.

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Policy Programme