RTHK Must Uphold High Standards

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau today said Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) as a public broadcaster should uphold the highest professional standards of journalism.

Speaking to the media after attending the Chief Executive's question and answer session at the Legislative Council, Mr Yau said RTHK and all media organisations should be accurate and impartial in news reporting, adding it is the fundamental principle that all news agencies should uphold.

He stressed that the Charter of RTHK specifies the requirements for the public broadcaster.

“In the charter, there is a requirement under Clause 7 asking RTHK, as a public service broadcaster, to uphold the highest professional standard of journalism in addition to being accurate and impartial in reporting.

“I think this is a pledge that RTHK would need to uphold.

“The Government's stance is very clear, as a government department, news agency or a public service broadcaster, RTHK should maintain this very important principle.”

He added that RTHK should take responsibility for any mistake it makes.

“If there is any sort of inadequacy or any error being made, I think they should have the responsibility to clarify, to make good and also to apologise.

“After investigation of any complaint, if they consider the complaint not justified, then of course, they could also come out to stand up to the public, explain and also articulate their explanation.”

Mr Yau also pointed out that RTHK is subject to the Communications Authority’s scrutiny, adding the authority will handle complaints according to the established mechanism.