The television watchdog has dismissed claims that the proposal requiring television and radio hosts to declare commercial interests would restrict freedom of speech.
The proposal was made because the public was concerned about integrity, Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing Eddie Chan Yuk-tak said.
The Government has begun a consultation period on a draft code of practice which requires television and radio presenters to declare their interests.
Speaking on RTHK's Talkabout programme, Mr Chan said worries over freedom of speech were understandable but it was important for commentators to maintain impartiality because news and current affairs programmes were influential.
'Society has very high expectations for integrity and these programmes are very influential. Therefore we feel there should be some declaration mechanism to ensure one's impartiality. It is absolutely out of the question that freedom of speech is being affected,' Mr Chan said.
He denied targeting a particular type of programme. He said the programmes would be judged not by a remark made by the presenter but by the way the overall programme was presented.
