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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 the broadcast of non-programme material within programmes, TV programme sponsorship, and advertising concerned with clinics for the treatment of hair and scalp under the Codes of Practice governing TV programmes and TV and radio advertising.
The existing TV Advertising Code prohibits the placing of non-programme material within programmes unless otherwise permitted by the BA. Currently, the BA allows the broadcast of programme change announcements and programme promotions within programmes in the form of superimposed text subject to restrictions on presentation, broadcast frequency and time allowance, positioning and the information provided. To provide more flexibility to the licensees in making timely and adequate programme change announcements, and programme production and promotion, the BA is considering relaxing some of the restrictions. The BA is also considering introducing a provision in the TV Programme Code to allow licensees to superimpose on the screen non-programme material within various types of programmes to provide information on local date, time and weather, and information of interest to the public during an emergency situation. Nonetheless, the broadcast of the above non-programme material should not be obtrusive to viewing pleasure.
The existing TV Advertising Code sets out the forms of sponsorship allowed, the ways to make sponsorship identifications, and the requirements and conditions on programme sponsorship. To provide a more conducive business environment to the TV licensees, the BA is considering whether to extend the scope of sponsorable material within programmes. To protect viewing pleasure, all sponsor identifications within programmes should not be obtrusive and would be subject to restrictions on size, broadcast frequency and time allowance.
The existing TV and Radio Advertising Codes prohibit advertising of products or services concerned with clinics for the treatment of hair and scalp. The BA is considering replacing the above prohibition with the corresponding restriction as stipulated in the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (UMAO) (Cap. 231), so as to align the Advertising Codes with the UMAO.
Details of the consultation are available at the BA's website at (www.hkba.hk/en/doc/consultation_april_2010_e.pdf).
All views and comments should be sent in writing to the BA Secretariat by May 11 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 to cr@tela.gov.hk or call the Content Regulation Section 1 at 2594 5723.
Ends/Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:00
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