Studies
To keep abreast of international best practices in the context
of a rapidly evolving broadcasting environment, Members of the Authority
visited the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in the United Kingdom
in February 2005. Members engaged the executive team of Ofcom in
an in depth discussion, among many topics of mutual interest, the
challenges facing a unified regulator in the convergent environment.
The Authority also learnt of the latest developments of the UK broadcasting
industry through meetings with relevant government ministries and
major broadcasters in the UK.
The Authority has also commissioned an independent research company
to conduct an opinion survey on local broadcasting services in 2005.
The survey provided useful data for the Authority to gauge audience
behaviour and expectations. Separately, eight focus group meetings
involving the members of the Television and Radio Consultative Scheme
(TRCS) were conducted to collect public views on programme and advertising
standards.
The Authority's executive arm, Television and Entertainment Licensing
Authority (TELA), is planning to carry out a comprehensive economic
and market analysis of the broadcasting sector. The aim of this
major exercise is to provide guidance for the Government and the
BA on policy formulation to further the development of the broadcasting
sector in the years to come.
Industry Seminar
To enable members and stakeholders of the local broadcasting and
telecommunications industries to share the experience of overseas
unified regulators and exchange views on the international trend
of convergence, the Authority, together with the Office of the Telecommunications
Authority, jointly organized a seminar on "Regulation in a Convergent
Environment" in August 2005 for the broadcasting and telecommunication
industry operators. The seminar was very well received and was attended
by about 150 participants.
Moving Ahead
With rapid development of the broadcasting sector and the emergence
of new services like IPTV and mobile television, more opportunities
will increasingly arise for the industry players and more choices
will be available for consumers. We look forward to contributing
positively to the Government consultation process for the proposed
establishment of a unified regulator overseeing the entire electronic
communications sector.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all the Members of the
Authority, the Complaints Committee, and the Codes of Practice Committee
for their dedication and commitment, as well as the staff of TELA
under the leadership of the Commissioner for Television and Entertainment
Licensing for their professional advice, diligence and dedication.
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