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The following is issued on behalf of the Broadcasting Authority:
The Broadcasting Authority is now conducting a review of the provisions in the Generic Code of Practice on Television Programme Standards (TV Programme Code) governing the minimum duration of programme segments on domestic free television programme services. Members of the public are invited to give written views and suggestions on the issue.
One of the functions of the authority is to secure proper standards of television broadcasting and to provide guidance for licensees by issuing codes of practice. The main source of revenue for Domestic Free TV is advertising, and there are provisions in the legislation restricting the amount of advertising allowed for Domestic Free TV. To safeguard audience interest in viewing programmes without unnecessary interruption and the Domestic Free TV licensees' need to broadcast advertisements and other non-programme material, such as programme promotional material and announcements in the public interest, there are provisions in the TV Programme Code stipulating the minimum duration of a programme segment.
At present, Domestic Free TV licensees are required to comply with specified time standards governing the broadcast of advertisements under the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap 562) and duration of programme segments in the TV Programme Code. The BA is now reviewing the appropriateness of the minimum programme segment duration requirement and whether more flexibility be given in the scheduling of advertisements and non-programme material.
Details of the consultation document can be downloaded from the website of the Broadcasting Authority at: http://www.hkba.hk/en/doc/consultation_on_programme_segment_duration_e.pdf. All views and comments should be sent in written to the Broadcasting Authority Secretariat on or before January 10, 2007 through any of the following means -
By Post:
Broadcasting Authority Secretariat
39/F, Revenue Tower
5, Gloucester Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
(Attn: Content Regulation 1 - Consultation on Revision of Codes)
By Fax:
2507 2219
(Attn: Content Regulation 1 - Consultation on Revision of Codes)
By e-mail:
cr@tela.gov.hk
For enquiries, please send e-mail to <cr@tela.gov.hk> or call the Content Regulation Section 1 at 2594 5723.
Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:01
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