HONG Kong will be served by a wider variety of satellite television services if laws to relax control on overseas operators are passed, said the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, James So Yiu-cho.
The legislation, now being drafted, is part of a review of government licensing policy of overseas satellite television operators.
Mr So said the proposal would be tabled to the Legislative and Executive Councils for approval early next year.
It would also help Hong Kong to develop into a major regional centre for satellite broadcasting by allowing more broadcasters to base their services here.
Pointing to the territory's first cable television licence, Mr So said the Government was determined to provide a wide choice of quality services at an affordable price.
In his reply to legislators' comment on the arts policy outlined by the Governor, Chris Patten, in his second policy speech, Mr So appealed for greater support for the Provisional Arts Development Council.