Why Hong Kong badly needs to broadcast better English-language programmes
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I refer to
the report , 'Hong Kong lawmakers call for TV stations to show more English-language content' (June 9).
As someone who watches local English television and listens to English radio in Hong Kong on a daily basis, I have to be honest: the range and quality of English-language content available fall well short of what one would expect from a truly international city. Compared to global news giants like CNN or the BBC, our local offerings feel limited and often repetitive.
Hong Kong's broadcasting rules now permit up to 45 per cent of English-channel content to be in other languages, which has contributed to a rise in Mandarin programming. While Mandarin is undoubtedly important given Hong Kong's growing integration with the rest of the Greater Bay Area, this shift does not reflect the needs of the city's diverse population, especially the large expatriate community and English-speaking locals who depend on English-language media for news, entertainment and cultural connection.
While the Broadcasting Service Survey 2024 shows that news programmes are popular, there is a lack of variety in English-language radio content, with limited locally produced shows that truly reflect Hong Kong's unique culture.
In contrast, Singapore's English-language media landscape is far more vibrant and diverse, offering a broad mix of local dramas, talk shows and cultural programmes that engage both locals and expatriates. This diversity not only supports Singapore's international appeal but also fosters social cohesion in a multilingual society.
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