How should Hong Kong’s TV, radio broadcasters present mandatory patriotic shows? Just be lighthearted, funny and creative, experts say
- Public TV, radio stations should avoid hard-sell approach and consider formats such as quiz shows with prizes, singing competitions, analysts say
- Suggestions follow government’s new requirement for free-to-air broadcasters to feature content promoting topics such as national identity for 30 minutes every week
Hong Kong television and radio programmes promoting patriotism and national security should be lighthearted, funny and creative to win over audiences, analysts have suggested after authorities made such content compulsory for broadcasters to have their licences renewed.
The suggestions from experts on Wednesday followed the government’s decision a day earlier to require free-to-air broadcasters TVB, ViuTV and HOY TV as well as radio stations Commercial Radio and Metro Broadcast to include 30 minutes per week of such content.
Announced as part of a midterm review of the 12-year broadcast licences, the government said the policy would be introduced by amending permit conditions or the Communications Authority’s instructions.
Bruce Lui Ping-kuen, a senior lecturer in journalism at Baptist University, advised broadcasters against using a hard-sell approach with patriotic content, instead suggesting they focus on China’s soft power to foster national pride through a funny and interesting presentation.
“Hongkongers’ sense of national identity was high in 2008 when there was an earthquake in Sichuan and the Beijing Olympics. These incidents naturally evoked their national emotions which made them feel connected with the mainland,” he said.
“The programmes should not just present the views of the authorities, but also public opinions to woo the audience with a funny and entertaining approach.”
Grace Leung Lai-kuen, a lecturer at Chinese University’s school of journalism and communication, said broadcasters should adopt creative storytelling to present their content.