Securing Proper Quality of Television Broadcast and Protecting Viewers' Interests

To facilitate the rollout and to secure proper quality of DTT programming service, the Authority approved the revision of the Generic Code of Practice on Technical Standards (the Technical Code) by adding a new chapter to specify technical standards for DTT programming services. The Technical Code lays down benchmarks for satisfactory reception of DTT services by the public. To ensure that existing codes of practice remain relevant and responsive to social aspirations and industry needs, the Authority has been collecting and collating public views on certain provisions in the codes for review in the last quarter of 2008.

As for content regulation in terms of protecting social mores in the viewers' interest, the Authority processed a total of 6 265 complaints concerning broadcast content. The Authority treats each and every complaint individually to ensure that broadcast programmes conform to standards of public morals and decency consistent with the community's expectations.

Fostering Competition

Competition regulation was another major area of responsibility for the Authority. The Authority will continue to promote competition and ensure a level playing field in the broadcasting sector.

International Conferences

The Authority together with the Office of Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) jointly hosted for the first time the International Regulators Forum and the 39th Annual Conference of the International Institute of Communications (IIC) in Hong Kong from 1st to 4th November 2008. The IIC, based in London, is an international, independent, not-for-profit organisation comprising senior policy makers, regulators, academics, and industry players embracing broadcasting, telecommunications and new media in some 70 countries and jurisdictions. These conferences provide an invaluable opportunity for regulators and industry players across the globe to exchange views and canvass pressing issues affecting communications worldwide. The two events recently held in Hong Kong were well received by international regulators and industry executives from 33 countries and jurisdictions.

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