Hong Kong TV stations should boost English content
Hong Kong prides itself as Asia's world city. Yet there is no shortage of examples to show that the city may not live up to that reputation. The glaring inadequacy of television programmes in English for international audiences is a case in point. With a public consultation for the renewal of the three free TV licences due later this year, some lawmakers have called for more local productions in English, saying the current content is diminishing and lacks variety.
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Local TV stations have been running more programmes in Mandarin after the cap for non-English programmes on English channels was raised from 20 per cent to 45 per cent in 2023 following a midterm license review. They may also show programmes in Mandarin with Chinese subtitles on Chinese channels for up to 10 per cent of the total broadcasting time. While it is understandable to show more programmes in Mandarin these days, it also means less content and fewer choices for many non-Chinese speakers.
Admittedly, fewer people watch TV these days. The growing popularity of online media is also posing significant challenges to traditional broadcasting. But it remains the responsibility of the broadcasters to fulfil the licensing requirements. Expatriates feel they are increasingly being marginalised or alienated, saying there is little TV content that relates to them. A search on the internet for 'Hong Kong TV programmes in English' yields many results diverting users to watch programmes on overseas live streaming platforms via VPN, or virtual private network.
The dearth of local and quality programmes in English is not new. Not only is this unconducive to social integration, it may also weaken Hong Kong's status as an international and inclusive city. Both Chinese and English are official languages in Hong Kong. Together with Mandarin, the biliteracy and trilingual policy is pivotal to the city's international competitiveness and national integration. The coming license review should ensure broadcasters will cater to the needs of all. Separately, some licensing rules are dated. They should be reviewed regularly to reflect present circumstances and enable broadcasters to cope with challenges arising from new technology and changing viewership.
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