Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) has apparently fallen victim to the Government's myopic broadcasting policy over the years, as it is now in danger of being degraded into a propaganda arm of the Chinese authorities.
In a 10-point list of demands, Beijing has reportedly specified that RTHK should set aside part of its television and radio air time to promote China's Preparatory Committee for the post-1997 Special Administrative Region.
RTHK, which operates seven radio channels and enjoys access to prime slots of the two commercial television stations, appeared to have long been worried about a possible erosion of its independence by the political changes ahead.
There had been attempts to hive off RTHK from the Government establishment. The station's corporatisation plan to turn itself into a statutory, independent public broadcaster modelled after the British Broadcasting Corporation was shelved, presumably because of pressure from Beijing. The scheme would have minimised attempts to tamper with the editorial integrity of the station.
Later, the Recreation and Culture Branch also forfeited its right to use up to three channels of Wharf Cable Television for public access and government use. Should the Government have exercised its entitlement, few people can object to the idea that materials directed by the Preparatory Committee be shown on the government cable channel.
After the corporatisation plan was scuppered, RTHK fell back on charters with the Recreation and Culture Branch and the Broadcasting Authority to reaffirm RTHK's editorial autonomy. But Beijing was obviously unimpressed.
