'RTHK Should Review Programming After Warning'

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau on Monday called on RTHK to conduct a comprehensive review of its production and editorial processes, after the public broadcaster was slapped with a serious warning by the communications regulator for airing a personal opinion programme that contained ‘distorted facts’ and ‘unsubstantiated remarks’.

The Communications Authority also concluded that comments by a guest host on an episode of "Pentaprism" on November 20, 2019 could be regarded as ‘hate speech’ against the police.

It said RTHK had been negligent in failing to vet the accuracy of the hosts’ comments, which included allegations that the police had “laid bloody siege” to local universities, and had shot at citizens and students “madly at close range”, treating them as “live targets.”

In a statement, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, which oversees RTHK, said the government respects the Communications Authority’s ruling.

Yau said “RTHK must give a positive and responsible response as soon as possible, including a comprehensive review of the editorial and production processes for its programmes, to ensure that similar mistakes don’t happen again.”

The minister also stressed that the public broadcaster must fully abide by its governing charter, and strictly comply with regulations set out by the Communications Authority, to ensure that their programming meets an acceptable professional standard.