A warning by the Hong Kong Broadcasting Authority to the Commercial Radio programme Teacup in a Storm was driven by public complaints rather than political pressure, a government official said yesterday.
Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Henry Tang Ying-yen's statement came after the authority issued a warning to the station on Saturday following complaints against the phone-in show lodged by more than 100 people.
'The Broadcasting Authority is acting independently,' Mr Tang said. 'I believe they have been neutral and fair.' The minister refused to comment on whether the station's licence would be renewed in August next year.
The Broadcasting Authority said complaints were filed against two editions of the programme on April 24 and 25. The programme host, Albert Cheng King-hon, was said to have interrupted the then acting chief executive of the Hospital Authority, Ko Wing-man on April 25. An on-air war of words between Mr Cheng and deputy director of housing Lau Kai-hung on April 24 also drew complaints.
The authority said Mr Cheng, in both cases, had not taken care when using language that was capable of adversely affecting the reputation of the individuals.
Commercial Radio Broadcasting said in a statement yesterday that the host had not intended to intervene in anyone's right to speak and that ample time had been given for responses.
