Inaccuracies, Bias Blamed For RTHK Show Withdrawals

RTHK said on Monday evening that the reason it pulled three television programmes from its schedule at short notice was because portions of the episodes in question contained inaccuracies and were not impartial.

The broadcaster pulled an episode of Hong Kong Stories that was due to air on March 7, the March 11 episode of Legco Review, and the March 29 episode of Hong Kong Connection.

In a statement, it said these decisions were taken by an editorial panel comprising the Director of Broadcasting and management, which was set up earlier in March.

The panel is part of a response to a review of the station, which advised RTHK to strengthen editorial management, and establish a clear and transparent editorial process. The review followed complaints about RTHK’s performance, with the Communications Authority saying the station had breached codes of practice.

RTHK said the panel would check on “controversial” programmes during production, and enable editors to ensure programmes comply with the RTHK Charter and Producers’ Guidelines.

It said the three episodes in question had been produced before the panel was introduced, so they could not be corrected or adjusted earlier. It said they contained one-sided views, and inaccuracies – including descriptions of Beijing’s overhaul of elections in the SAR and the national security law.

The broadcaster said that, according to the RTHK Charter, it is editorially independent and is immune from commercial, political and other influences.

It added it hoped everyone could respect RTHK’s editorial decisions.