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The following is issued on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority:
The Broadcasting Authority (BA) is inviting public views on its review of the provisions on in-programme promotions and announcement of programme changes in the code of practices for television programmes.
The existing provision in the BA¡¯s Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards allows domestic free TV and pay TV programme service licensees to broadcast programme promotions by superimposed text within a programme segment, subject to certain restrictions. A waiver is provided to in-programme promotions in programme(s) or channel(s) acquired for direct re-transmission on domestic pay TV as their presentation is normally outside the control of the licensees.
The digital terrestrial TV programme services launched by the domestic free TV licensees at end-2007 are provided on a multi-channel platform and they now face a similar problem in complying with the existing restrictions on in-programme promotions in programme(s) or channel(s) acquired for direct re-transmission.
On grounds of equity, the BA is considering giving the domestic free TV licensees the same waiver. The authority is also reviewing the appropriateness of extending the existing provision to programmes without breaks and the time-allowance for in-programme promotions.
Meanwhile, the existing provision on the announcement of programme changes stipulates that where programmes are not shown in accordance with publicly announced or published programme schedules, the domestic free and domestic pay TV licensees should take reasonable steps to inform viewers of such changes.
These steps may include making on-screen announcements at the beginning of the scheduled time of the programmes affected and at other appropriate times (outside a programme, unless otherwise permitted by the BA) when the intended audience of the programme might be watching television.
To provide more flexibility to the licensees, the BA is considering allowing the licensees to make such announcement in the form of superimposed text within programmes, subject to certain conditions so as to protect young viewers and avoid cramming of information in a programme.
Details of the consultation are available at the BA¡¯s website at www.hkba.hk/en/doc/consultation_on_code_e.pdf.
All views and comments should be sent in writing to the BA Secretariat by March 31, 2008, by the following means:
By post:
Broadcasting Authority Secretariat
39/F, Revenue Tower
5, Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
(Attn: Content Regulation Section 1 ¡ª Consultation on Revision of Codes)
By fax:
2507 2219 (Attn: Content Regulation Section 1 ¡ª Consultation on Revision of Codes)
By email:
cr@tela.gov.hk
For enquiries, please email cr@tela.gov.hk or call Content Regulation Section 1 at 2594 5723.
Ends/Monday, March 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 10:31
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