RTHK staff to get guidelines

Editorial guidelines will be issued throughout RTHK following the row over its criticisms of the Government.

Acting Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan last night said the Director of Broadcasting and RTHK head Cheung Man-yee had promised to formalise unofficial editorial policies.

She said Ms Cheung would also issue guidelines for production staff and presenters.

'This is to strengthen RTHK's accountability and enhance staff understanding of the Director of Broadcasting's editorial authority and the required production standards,' she added.

Her comments followed a vote of 32 to nine in support of an amended motion endorsing the Government's reaffirmation of RTHK's editorial independence and the production of fair and balanced programmes.

Moving the motion, the Liberal Party's Edward Ho Sing-tin said a government mouthpiece would go against public wishes.

He said an amendment by the Hong Kong Progressive Alliance was an attempt to interfere with freedom. But alliance member Wong Siu-yee said his amendment only called for full implementation of the policy secretary's duties under a framework of agreement with RTHK.

'The framework doesn't say RTHK is autonomous and able to monitor government performance or allow civil servants to express political views,' he said.

He accused Ms Cheung of escalating her role as a government watchdog.

'How can a directorate grade-five official monitor the entire Government and turn her department into an independent kingdom without control?' The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong's Gary Cheng Kai-nam said it was for the public to monitor government policies.

He successfully amended the Liberals' motion to require objective and fair programming.

Ms Lau said RTHK should allow different views to be expressed without bias.