Metro Radio Asked To Explain Its Covid 'shutdown'

The Communications Authority (CA) on Wednesday demanded Metro Radio hand over more information on its decision to temporarily close its Whampoa offices after a top executive tested positive for Covid-19.

All staff left the potentially contaminated premises on Wednesday, and will undergo coronavirus tests.

The station won’t go off the air, but a computer will automatically play songs over its three radio channels as its offices are thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.

But the regulator noted that the evacuation means Metro won’t be complying with its licensing requirements – to air news bulletins, weather updates and government announcements – during the disruption.

The authority also wants information on Metro’s contingency plans and how they’ve been implemented, adding that it will deal with the matter in accordance with established procedures.

The CA said it had already asked various media organisations to devise contingency plans back in March in case they’re affected by a Covid outbreak.

It said the firms were asked to formulate various means to enable them to continue with their services even if a staff member got infected.