RTHK producers propose ‘mini newscasts’ for ATV channel takeover

Producers at RTHK have drawn up a proposal to provide "mini newscasts" as a contingency measure when ATV stops broadcasting.

But they say such a minimal set-up will not be possible if the government does not give more resources to the public broadcaster.

As cash-strapped ATV's licence will expire in November, although it can carry on until April next year, the government has begun talks with RTHK to take over ATV's analogue spectrum and provide a programming channel as a transitional measure.

Viola Lau Mi-ling, head of RTHK TV Services' public and current affairs section, told the South China Morning Post yesterday that her division had submitted a proposal to the management.

"We feel that news service is essential, if RTHK is to take the baton from ATV."

Lau suggested that if the channel was to air 15 to 20 minutes of news each day, about 30 to 40 staff would be required.

"We're only suggesting some minimal set-up; now we're not even sure whether the technical problems for RTHK to take over the analogue spectrum can be solved," Lau explained.