In response to media enquiries about broadcast of music only on all its channels by Digital Broadcasting Corporation Hong Kong Limited (DBC), a spokesman for the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) gives the following reply:
According to DBC's licence, DBC shall provide seven 24-hour channels of specified genres, including a Talk Radio channel and an Ethnic Minorities channel. In connection with the media reports that DBC has been broadcasting music only on all of its channels since last night, OFCA has written to the receivers of DBC today to seek details on the arrangement so as to ascertain whether it is in compliance with the above-mentioned licence condition. OFCA is awaiting DBC's reply.
Separately, there is prima facie evidence that DBC's earlier cessation of service from 8:00pm on October 10 to 7:00am on October 15 might contravene the above-mentioned licence condition. OFCA wrote to DBC's receivers on October 18 in accordance with the established procedures, inviting DBC to make representations to the Communications Authority (CA) on the case. OFCA is awaiting DBC's reply.
The CA will process any possible contravention in accordance with the established procedures. The range of sanctions that may be imposed by the CA against contravention includes administrative sanction (say, advice and warning), financial penalty and suspension of licence.
Office of the Communications Authority
22 October 2012