LAI YING-KIT YINGKIT.LAI@SCMP.COM
PUBLISHED : Monday, 21 September, 2015, 1:58pm
UPDATED : Monday, 21 September, 2015, 9:59pm
Lawmaker Wong Yuk-man, a former radio show host, has criticised the government's approach to technology. Photo: David Wong
Supporting measures were lacking in the government's push to develop digital radio in the city, a member of the Legislative Council panel on broadcasting said today.
Last week, Phoenix URadio applied to return its digital audio broadcasting licence to the government. The move came three years after it started operating.
Independent lawmaker Wong Yuk-man said current government policy had narrowed digital audio broadcasters' ability to reach their audience.
As an example, Wong said progress had been slow in allowing the installation of monitors that can show both digital audio and visual content on vehicles.
READ MORE: PCCW applies for Hong Kong broadcast spectrum
Phoenix URadio applied to return its digital audio broadcasting licence to the government.Tunnels in the city were not covered because there were no stations, explained Wong, who was formerly a popular radio show host.
"The government has always lagged behind in technological development," Wong said during a DBC radio talk show. He added that licensees were "left to their own fates" due to a lack of supporting measures.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kan-leung on Saturday said the government would review the digital audio broadcasting market after Phoenix URadio sought to step out.
Wong said he would raise the issue at a Legislative Council information technology and broadcasting panel in October.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1860078/tuned-out-hong-kong-lawmaker-slams-governments-digital-radio
