RTHK asked to clarify list of 10 banned singers

Public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong was asked to clarify whether it has banned its disc jockeys from playing songs of 10 artists.  

A Facebook page reported on Tuesday RTHK DJs were told verbally that they cannot play any songs – old or new – from a list of 10 people.   

They include singer-activist Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, Denise Ho Wan-see, and Wong's music duo Tat Ming Pair.   

Ho was released on bail after her arrest last month. As a former board member of shuttered online media outlet Stand News, she was arrested for conspiracy to publish seditious content.  

Two groups Rubberband and C All Star, which both released songs about Hong Kongers' emigration wave last year, are on the list.   

So is the band Dear Jane, whose song with lyrics "chaos" and "confront" was taken off air on the mainland last year.   

The other singers are Charmaine Fong Ho-man, Serrini, Kay Tse On-kay, and Alfred Hui Ting-hang.  

A DJ confirmed to Chinese media that a banned list exists and that the station vets guests invited to programs. Some were not approved in two weeks.   

Political party Third Side urged the public broadcaster to clarify the incident.   

"It is inappropriate for any media to censor local music without valid reasons," the party wrote in a statement on Wednesday.   

"Making of music and songs has to take place where there is freedom of creativity. There should be laxer standards to avoid unnecessary pressure on art and performing industries."   

Lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen, a member of the RTHK Board of Advisors, has written a letter to Director of broadcasting Patrick Li Pak-chuen for clarification.   

RTHK responded in a statement: "RTHK has been supporting the development of Chinese pop music. Program hosts choose songs based on professionalism and suitability to the programs."  

Serrini, aka Serruria Leung Ka-yan, joked that she would change her name and become a newbie again.   

For the first time ever, RTHK will co-organize its annual music awards with free TV station TVB this year.