The post vacated by director of broadcasting Chu Pui-hing will be open to applications from outsiders and internal staff at the same time, the government said yesterday.
The move comes after the government formally approved Mr Chu's early retirement in July over a scandal in which he was photographed hiding behind a woman reported to be a karaoke hostess.
Mr Chu later apologised for his behaviour, but denied his official duties had been compromised.
The government decision spares the RTHK chief from disciplinary action, a government source said.
The government-funded broadcaster has been fighting to transform itself into an independent public broadcaster, and a government consultation on the transition will be launched later this year.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, which oversees RTHK, said yesterday that an executive search agency had been appointed to help with recruitment.
The new director will be appointed for 21/2 years and the job criteria will be advertised in two to three weeks.