To: Mr KC Kwong, Secretary for ITB

Dear Mr Kwong

The 1998 Review of Television Policy

We welcome with pleasure the consultation paper on the 1998 Review of Television Policy. Before we formulate a substantive response, I would like, on behalf of the HKCSI, to give you our preliminary view on the consultation paper.

The paper, published on 3 September, was among the subjects discussed in a meeting of our Information Services Committee held the following day (4 September). The view of the Committee is that the subject is of fundamental importance, not only to the information and broadcasting industry but to the way of life of the whole community. The proposals in the consultation paper are very wide ranging with far reaching consequences. A consultation period of one month will not do justice to the range, diversity and depth of the issues being put forward.

We recognise that on the same day of 3 September another paper on the 1998 Review of Fixed Telecommunications was published and the same one month has been given for feedback. But we would submit that the nature of the two papers is different. In the case of fixed telecommunications, the paper has been preceded by several years of rapid development and restructuring in the industry, accompanied by a long process of public consultation. We note that the telecommunications paper was therefore not named a consultation paper but a “Considered View”, and that response was sought primarily from industry. In the case of the television review, we believe the consultation process would benefit from much more informed discussion and debate among various sectors, not just television service providers.

We note that in an earlier consultation paper by the Office of Telecommunications Authority on junk fax, the public has been given two months to respond. We believe it is important to have the right sense of proportion, but eight weeks for junk fax and four weeks for an overhaul in the television industry hardly seems right. Most people spend more time watching television than using their phones and computers.

In conclusion, we would respectfully suggest that the consultation period be extended by another month at least. On the part of the HKCSI, we shall endeavour to generate discussion among the business community with a view to forming a substantive response.

Yours sincerely