Protecting Viewers'
Interests
One of the tasks of the Authority is the maintenance of proper
standards of broadcast content for the protection of public
morals in the viewers' interests. In the year under review,
the Authority processed a total of 2 568 complaints relating
to broadcast content. The Authority treats each and every
complaint seriously to ensure that broadcast programmes are
consistent with the community's expectations regarding public
morals and decency. The Authority has also reviewed and amended
certain outdated provisions in the codes of practice on programme
and advertising standards so as to avoid overburdening licensees
while safeguarding viewers' interests.
Fostering Competition
Given that a competitive market can better safeguard consumer
interests, competition regulation is one of our major responsibilities.
In May 2007, the Authority issued two sets of revised competition
guidelines setting out the application and enforcement of
statutory provisions prohibiting anti-competitive conduct
by television programme service licensees. Where appropriate,
the Authority had aligned competition principles and applications
under the revised guidelines with the Authority's experience
in implementation as well as international best practices
so as to provide clear and practical guidance to the industry.
The updating of the guidelines will ensure that they remain
relevant and effective in promoting fair competition within
a rapidly changing broadcasting landscape.
Research and Development
To keep abreast of community expectations, the Authority
commissioned last year an independent research company to
conduct an opinion survey on local broadcasting services.
The survey yielded useful data for the Authority to gauge
the viewing and listening habits of the public and their expectations.
In addition, 29 separate focus group meetings were held with
members of the Authority's Television and Radio Consultative
Scheme (TRCS) to collect public views on programming and advertising
standards.
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