RTHK is one of those Hong Kong icons that make the city unique in this part of the world. As a government department that started as a broadcaster of propaganda, its staff has managed to transform it into a public broadcaster with critical programming that regards errant officials as fair game. Its perceived independence attests to the exercise of free speech in this special part of China. There is, therefore, little wonder that the government's decision to appoint a non-RTHK veteran as the broadcaster's deputy head has sparked widespread unease.
Traditionally, putting a generalist in charge of a professional department means one of two things. Either the government feels the department has failed to nurture a suitable internal successor or the department has gone so seriously astray that an outsider needs to be brought in to set things right.
Gracie Foo Siu-wai is an administrative officer with no prior media experience. As Director of Broadcasting Chu Pui-hing is due to retire in 2008, Ms Foo's appointment is seen as a clear signal that the government does not deem whoever is next in line to succeed Mr Chu internally as suitable to take the reins. At a time when alleged government interference in RTHK's editorial independence is a hot issue, her appointment is also regarded as a step by the administration to rein in a wayward department, one that bites the hands that feed it.
The prospect of RTHK being headed by an outsider who does not strongly identify with its mission and values is a real concern. For all its imperfections, the station has built up a reputation as a fair and independent broadcaster with quality programming that does not pander to political and commercial interests. It would be a shame if it were to be led by a chief who would revive its former incarnation as a government mouthpiece.
Much will depend on what a panel appointed by the government to review the future of public broadcasting will say of RTHK's future role. To demonstrate that it is not doing the government's bidding, the panel recently co-opted 22 liberal-minded critics to study how Hong Kong's future public broadcaster should be governed, held accountable and funded. The move suggests that it will propose hiving off RTHK from the government.
Such a recommendation would be in the best interests of RTHK, the government and Hong Kong. Senior officials have long protested their innocence against accusations of interfering in RTHK's operations. But only by turning RTHK into a truly independent public broadcaster can they fend off such charges and give staff the peace of mind to report and comment without having to second-guess their bureaucratic minders. Whatever happens to RTHK, it is critical that it, or its reformed successor, be headed by a media professional with a fearless record of upholding the truth.
