Concerns are growing for the future of RTHK, as the fallout continues over its satire show Headliner.
It comes as the head of the broadcaster was left out of a meeting today between the government and RTHK advisers.
Scroll down for the full script.
(Aired on ViuTVSix on 21 May 2020)
Full Script:
Too rude and insulting, to the police.
RTHK satire show Headliner's portrayal of an officer emerging from a waste bin drew rebuke from the Communications Authority this week.
But it also drew widespread concern, when the public broadcaster said it would suspend the show at the end of its current season for a review.
RTHK's board of advisers discussed editorial principles with commerce chief Edward Yau in closed-door talks today.
But the meeting raised eyebrows, as Director of Broadcasting Leung Ka-wing, who oversees editorial content, wasn't invited.
Board chairman Eugene Chan insisted Leung's presence "wasn't on the agenda" today.
(Soundbite, EUGENE CHAN, Chairman, RTHK's Board of Advisers)
"I want to appeal to everyone in Hong Kong not to give up on RTHK because we do hear some people are disappointed. We support RTHK and want it to thrive. And if we have done something wrong, we will do better next time."
But the actor behind the policeman in the controversial segment disagreed with Chan.
(Soundbite, WONG HE, Actor)
"From concept to script to the product. Tons of people, tons of eyes have keep an eye on it. But suddenly there was some guys create a new rules and regulations, and use these new ones to measure the product go through that processing.
Of course, they will find a lot of difference, and some of that will name that as mistake or wrong."
Wong suggested someone could challenge the Communication Authority's ruling through a judicial review, though he wouldn't file one himself because it's too costly.
A former policeman himself, Wong said the force shouldn't be immune to ridicule.
"But those protector, they need to be protected. It makes a little bit funny. They are so fragile."
- ENDS -