RTHK: The Evolution of Hong Kong's Public Service Broadcaster
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) serves as the primary public service broadcaster for Hong Kong, delivering a wide array of content across radio, television, and online platforms. Owned by the Government of Hong Kong and currently led by Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan Yuen-yee, RTHK provides essential news, education, and entertainment to both local and international audiences.
Key Facts
- Founded: Radio services launched on 20 June 1928.
- Ownership: Government of Hong Kong.
- Headquarters: Broadcasting House, 30 Broadcast Drive, Kowloon.
- Scope: Operates 8 radio stations and 5 primary television channels.
- Key Milestones: Gained independence from Government Information Services in 1954; launched television in 1970.
A History of Broadcasting in Hong Kong
The origins of RTHK date back to 20 June 1928, when the British Hong Kong Government launched its first radio station under the call sign "GOW," staffed by only six people. After several name changes, it became known as Radio Hong Kong (RHK) in 1948. While it was briefly managed by the Government Information Services (GIS) in 1949, it established itself as an independent department by 1954.
Early operations were limited; until 1966, the station only broadcast during morning, lunchtime, and evening slots, largely because many presenters were freelancers. A significant shift occurred in 1973 when RHK established its own newsroom, ending its reliance on the GIS for news preparation and bulletins.
The broadcaster expanded its physical and digital footprint over the following decades. In 1986, headquarters moved to Television House. The 1990s saw the launch of online broadcasting in 1994, while the 21st century brought Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in 2014 and the acquisition of two analogue channels from Asia Television in 2016.
Radio Services and Programming
RTHK manages a diverse portfolio of eight radio stations, catering to different languages and interests through various modulation formats (AM and FM).
| Station | Primary Language | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Radio 1 | Cantonese | News, current affairs, and phone-in programmes |
| Radio 2 | Cantonese | Popular music, arts, and entertainment |
| Radio 3 | English | General English programming |
| Radio 4 | English / Cantonese | Classical music and fine arts |
| Radio 5 | Cantonese | Classic hits, Cantonese opera, and children's shows |
| Putonghua Channel | Mandarin | News, finance, and community broadcasting (CIBS) |
| CNR Voice of HK | Mandarin / Cantonese | 24-hour relay of China National Radio |
| CMG Radio The Greater Bay | Cantonese / Mandarin | 24-hour relay of China Media Group |
Television and Educational Initiatives
RTHK operates five digital television channels. Channels 31, 32, and 33 provide a variety of general content, while Channels 34 and 35 serve as simulcasts for CGTN Documentary and CGTN News, respectively, both broadcasting 24 hours a day in English. Notably, a temporary channel, RTHK TV 36, was launched in 2024 specifically to cover the Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
Educational Television (ETV)
In partnership with the Hong Kong Education Bureau, RTHK produces Educational Television (ETV). Launched in 1971 for Primary 3 students, the service expanded to cover primary and junior secondary students by 1978. These programmes air during non-peak hours. However, the service has faced scrutiny from the Audit Commission due to high production costs, which reached HK$1.58 million per hour in 2017–18.
Management and Controversies
RTHK has faced various internal and external challenges. In 2006, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arrested four individuals, including a deputy head of RTHK 2, over a script-selling scam totaling approximately HK$70,000.
More recently, the broadcaster has been the center of debates regarding editorial independence. Following the appointment of Patrick Li as Director of Broadcasting in March 2021, reports emerged of censored television episodes and the removal of older content from YouTube. Additionally, the departure of reporter Nabela Qoser in May 2021 followed a controversy regarding the extension of her civil servant probation.
Despite these challenges, RTHK's journalistic work has been recognized internationally. The broadcaster received awards from the 50th US International Film and Video Festival, the 2020 New York TV and Film Awards, and the 24th Human Rights Press Awards for its reporting on the 2019 Hong Kong protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was RTHK founded?
RTHK began its radio broadcasting services on 20 June 1928, originally operating under the name "GOW."
What is ETV and who is it for?
ETV stands for Educational Television, a collaboration between RTHK and the Hong Kong Education Bureau that provides educational programming for primary and secondary school students.
How many radio stations does RTHK operate?
RTHK operates eight radio stations, covering a range of languages including Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
What happened to the DAB services in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong government decided to terminate Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) services by September 2017, leading RTHK to integrate those programmes into existing AM and FM channels.
Who currently leads RTHK?
The current Director of Broadcasting is Angelina Kwan Yuen-yee.