Praise for RTHK chief as yet another show in doubt

The chairman of RTHK’s Board of Advisers on Monday was full of praise for new Director of Broadcasting Patrick Li, as reports emerged that production of one of the station’s shows had been suspended.

Work had already started on the new series of TV programme RTHK Talkshow which was to be launched in May.

There was no official word on whether the show was being axed completely.

Earlier in the day, the public broadcaster abruptly pulled an episode of the documentary series Hong Kong Connection. The show, looking at issues faced by university student unions in the territory, had been due to be broadcast on Monday evening.

A number of RTHK shows have been suddenly dropped since Li took over as director of broadcasting earlier this month, prompting complaints not only from pro-democracy figures among the interviewees, but also members of the pro-establishment camp.

Following a meeting of RTHK’s Board of Advisers on Monday morning, chairman Lam Tai-fai praised Li for his “good communication skills” as well as his “courage” in carrying out reforms of the station.

The board said RTHK management had explained that some programmes were taken off air because they weren’t objective and fair, and would have breached regulations and the broadcaster’s own charter and guidelines.

But the advisers also urged the station to give the public a clear explanation regarding such decisions.

In a statement, the advisers added that they had suggested that RTHK set up a system to enhance training for staff, to ensure that everyone fully understands and implements the station’s charter.