Why ATV does not deserve to have its licence renewed

I attended the Communication Authority's first public hearing about the renewal of the free-to-air TV licences at City Hall. It turned out to be a shouting match with many participants just making unconstructive comments. Some even came with placards as if they were protesting in the street. Speakers were chosen at random and many who had wanted to speak (including me) ended up disappointed.

The second public hearing was a little better, in that at least lots were drawn to select speakers, but much anger was still in evidence, mainly directed at ATV, with few real ideas or recommendations for what the authority should include as conditions for TV licence renewal. Still, at least two speakers gave the authority a dressing-down.

Had I had the chance to speak, I would have asked the authority to ensure that a broadcaster's licence was renewed only if they satisfied three main conditions. First, the owners should have a professional TV management team that can operate without interference from shareholders. Second, they must show they have the ability to secure good talent and production teams to create and produce good programmes. And, third, they must have sufficient funds to operate a TV station that can sustain years of operating losses.

ATV has failed over the past few years to fulfil any of these conditions, and therefore I don't believe its licence should be renewed. TVB is the only one that qualifies. I would also recommend that the Communications Authority include the following conditions for licence renewal:

• Only locally produced programmes can be aired from 6pm to 11pm, to promote local talent, with no imported programmes aired during prime time.

• Allow only first-run shows to air during prime time.

• Air a minimum of one hour a day of programmes produced by local companies (not in-house or by associate companies).

• One hour a day of live TV shows to be produced, as this is the most effective way to train local production staff and talent.