Unlike newspapers, which carry unfettered editorial opinion on issues of public importance, television and radio stations in Hong Kong are subject to codes of practice in the broadcasting ordinance and are less vocal about their stance.

That helps explain why an commentary in September last year, seen as an attack by broadcaster ATV on students protesting against the national education curriculum, drew a record 42,000 complaints. Admittedly, a programme in the form of an editorial is a novelty to local audiences. But broadcasters have the same right as any other media group to declare their stance on controversial matters. However, freedom of expression is not absolute. It is important for the media to be seen to exercise the freedom in a responsible way. This is even more so for a station entrusted with the right to use the public airwaves. That ATV has come under fire reflects public expectations in this regard. Certain principles and safeguards are essential.

The two-month consultation on regulating editorial-like programmes is a good opportunity for different stakeholders to air their views. The Communications Authority is right in trying to balance responsible programming with freedom of expression and editorial independence. Instead of prohibiting stations from airing editorials, the watchdog has suggested extending the existing rules on programmes involving personal opinions. As editorials are essentially opinions, it makes sense to impose similar standards such as accuracy, fairness, the inclusion of different views and the opportunity for response.