Complaints against RTHK’s "The Pulse” found unsubstantiated

The Communications Authority decided that the complaints against RTHK TV programme “The Pulse” were unsubstantiated and no further action should be taken against the broadcaster. 

The episode included an interview with Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of the World Health Organization, on whether the management of WHO would reconsider the membership status of Taiwan. 

Pro-establishment organizations criticized the host Yvonne Tong Yeuk-wun to be advocating “Taiwan Independence”. She later resigned. 

The authority said a total of 210 complaints were received about the programme, which was mainly alleged for its voice-over’s remark about Taiwan being shut out by China and WHO was not based on facts, biased. 

Those complaints also alleged that the interview with Aylward distorted his speech and was unfair to him and had damaged his reputation. 

The authority, having referred to other information, considered that the programme showed footages to present various viewpoints and there was no evidence suggesting that the programme was being unfair to Dr Aylward or was capable of adversely affecting his reputation. 

There are other allegations regarding the choice of interview questions, professionalism of the reporter, violation of the Charter. The authority cited from RTHK, admitting that the presentation and treatment of the part of the programme on WHO membership would give rise to strong public concern and might create an impression that the programme had an incorrect understanding of and breached the One-China Principle. 

RTHK also said that it would undertake to ensure that its programmes would fulfil the public purposes and its mission as a public service broadcaster as enshrined in the Charter. 

Yet the authority said that these matters were outside the scope of the TV Programme Code and hence its remit. 

RTHK in response said although the relevant episode does not contravene the “Code of Practice”, the station understands that controversy concerning that episode was aroused among the society.  

The broadcaster said it would ensure that its programmes are in accordance with the public purposes and mission as stipulated in “RTHK Charter”, and its producers possess a clear and accurate understanding of the “One Country” principle.