HOPES for a unified music awards' presentation in Hong Kong may never be realised, but four of the territory's media stations have come one step closer to unity by eradicating some duplicated awards.
Previously the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) best-selling album award, the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong Ltd (CASH) best Chinese composition award, the CASH best Chinese song lyrics awards and the Media Award were duplicated in the four major ceremonies held by Commercial Radio, TVB, RTHK and Metro Radio at the end of each year.
Now Commercial Radio will present the IFPI award, TVB the CASH composition award, RTHK the CASH lyricist award and Metro Radio the Media Award, with all stations casting votes for each award.
'The unified awards by the four stations are something very significant to the music industry,' said Ocean Chan Hoi-kei, channel director of Metro Broadcasts' Hit Radio.
'It was only after careful consideration that we have come up with a unified design.
'That is to show that all four stations are co-operating strongly in trying to bring the music industry to a higher peak.' The IFPI award will be based on the highest sales for a single album registered with the Hong Kong Record Merchants' Association within the year, while CASH members will nominate the shortlisted candidates and make up 40 per cent of the votes.
Disc jockeys will input 20 per cent of the votes while the four station representatives will contribute the rest.
