Broadcast news and the importance of perfect timing
Behind yesterday's terse announcement of the new No 2 at RTHK was a well-engineered PR plan to minimise the fallout.
As if to dilute the impression of the government parachuting in a troubleshooter to clean up the mess at Broadcast Drive, the announcement was made, not by the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau, but by RTHK in a statement at 2.56pm. The broadcaster said that retiring deputy director of broadcasting Raymond Ng Sek-fai would be succeeded by Gracie Foo Siu-wai from the Office of the Telecommunications Authority. Both Ofta and RTHK are overseen by the bureau.
At 3.30pm, a separate release from the telecoms body confirmed Ms Foo's departure. Enter the bureau 15 minutes later with a statement 'in response to media inquiries'.
Officials from all sides insisted it was standing policy for departments to announce deputy-level postings, instead of bureaus. After all, one said: 'An announcement from the bureau would just be stating the obvious.'
A chance to clear the air
