TV RTHK-style: is this what will replace ATV's programmes?
Public broadcaster fills the gaps in commercial television programming, its head of television says, with shows to promote reading and writing and explore food ingredients
As the broadcaster that's been lined up to take over commercial broadcaster ATV's channels, RTHK has some way to go.
Its flagship television channel broadcasts for just eight-and-a-half hours a day five days a week, and all day at weekends (its other channels relay China Central Television programmes and show live broadcasts of Legislative Council proceedings). One in four Hongkongers cannot receive RTHK TV. It cannot provide ratings for any of its programming. And it is running at maximum capacity given its existing resources.
Moreover, it sees its remit as being to "provide alternative TV programming which focuses on arts, culture, information and education", says RTHK TV controller Kirindi Chan Man-kuen.
No wonder, then, that an RTHK spokeswoman has said she has no details about its plans for expansion to fill the void that will be left by commercial broadcaster Asia Television (ATV), whose licence will not be renewed when it expires in April 2016 and whose two channels could go off air months before that unless it receives an injection of funds.
Still, Chan is clear on one thing: "We will not use public money to compete with commercial TV stations."
She adds: “While drama shows have many breathtaking plot twists, there are many things that are happening in society which are worth the public’s knowing. We can compensate for what is lacking in commercial TV stations.”
We can compensate for what is lacking in commercial TV stations