Commercial Radio fined HK$120,000 over failure to broadcast hourly news, weather reports
A Hong Kong radio station has been fined HK$120,000 for failing to broadcast certain hourly news and weather reports since 2022, the city’s broadcasting watchdog has said. Commercial Radio Hong Kong’s (CRHK) English radio channel, AM864, failed to broadcast the reports between May 1, 2022, and April 2, 2026, due to “human error and administrative […]
The Hong Kong broadcasting authority has levied a HK$120,000 fine against Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK) for neglecting to air essential hourly news and weather reports from May 1, 2022, to April 2, 2026. According to the city’s Office of the Communications Authority, the oversight was attributed to "human error and administrative inadvertence."
The English radio station, AM864, was mandated to air the reports between 7am and 11pm every day without alterations, as per their agreement with the authorities. Additionally, the station was obligated to broadcast weather updates at 7am and from 6pm to 11pm daily. While CRHK claimed the impact on listeners was likely minimal due to the channel's limited audience, the authority deemed the non-compliance over a four-year period unacceptable.
The broadcaster had provided incorrect records to the watchdog and has since resumed the required reports as of April 3, 2026. Besides the monetary penalty, CRHK must enhance internal monitoring to prevent similar incidents, submit plans for improved procedures within a month, and establish a monitoring system to ensure compliance.
The authority emphasized that licensed broadcasters are responsible for adhering to all regulatory requirements.
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