**********************************************
Following is a transcript (English portion) of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, on the senior management changes of the Asia Television Limited (ATV) at a stand-up media session today (December 16):
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: The recent announcement of changes at the upper echelon of the ATV management has caused some confusion to the public and quite rightly caused concerns. The Government actually expressed our very great concern over the announcement and the handling of the announcement of the personnel changes. On that, I have personally contacted the Executive Chairman of ATV, Mr Linus Cheung, and he has given me the assurance that he had the opportunity of communicating with the various levels of staff in ATV to ensure that the service of ATV will continue to be delivered in full compliance with the licence requirements and in accordance with the law.
In addition, arising from the confusion caused, I have relayed personally my concerns that they should seek the earliest opportunity to clarify matters and to make the announcement as soon as possible. And Mr Cheung has undertaken to me that this will be done very shortly and probably within a day or two. I have also relayed to him in writing the need for the ATV management to respond swiftly to the media concerns about the handling of the announcement of the personnel changes and I was assured that the services of the ATV will continue to be delivered. In addition to that of course is the need to comply with the provisions of the Broadcasting Ordinance requiring the notification of the personnel changes within seven days. And I underscore the importance that this seven-day provision has its statutory force. Nevertheless, in view of the confusion, that should be done as soon as possible.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:39
NNNN
