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am very pleased to present in this Annual Report an overview of
exciting developments in Hong Kong's broadcasting sector and the
Authority's role in maintaining a competitive, fair and vibrant
broadcasting market over the past 12 months.
A Robust Broadcasting Market
Domestic Free Television Programme Services
The Authority helped to pave the way for the introduction in 2007
of digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Hong Kong under the Government's
implementation framework. So as to ensure that Asia Television Limited
(ATV) and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) would be able to comply
with the timetable laid down in such framework, the Authority directed
the two domestic free television broadcasters to submit their updated
investment plans on DTT to the Authority for approval. The Authority
has carefully examined and assessed the plans. With the help of
independent external expert advice, the Authority was satisfied
that the proposed supplementary investments in DTT services of over
$400 million by each of the licensees, over and above the investments
committed in their original six-year plans, were adequate to implement
their respective programming plans, including the provision of high
definition television (HDTV) programmes as required by the Government
together other new services of their choice. Following the approval
of these investment plans, both ATV and TVB are now on track to
deliver their services via this new digital platform. Hong Kong
viewers can look forward to experiencing and enjoying enhanced new
television services through this new platform on a free-of-charge
basis in 2007.
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