Government wouldn't control board of RTHK successor, review team suggests
The panel reviewing public broadcasting in Hong Kong is proposing the government have the power to directly name fewer than a third of its governing board - an idea sources close to the body say would minimise political interference.
It is proposing the chief executive be able to choose only four board members without formal input from the public, and to appoint another nine from among nominees put forward by various professional sectors. The broadcaster's chief executive officer and a staff representative would also be on the board.
The proposals, to be released this month, have been drawn up by focus groups under the committee appointed by the government in January to review public service broadcasting.
The plans would protect the station's independence, sources said. 'This will reduce government or political interference in the broadcaster to a minimum,' one said.
The nine nominated board members would be drawn from professional sectors such as the media, finance, the legal sector and education. Candidates could nominate themselves or groups from those sectors could make nominations. A screening committee would then pick a number for the chief executive to choose from.