Radio program on hold for harassment vote
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2006-06-09 06:08 HK Commercial Radio announced
on Wednesday that it is suspending one of its programs, which asked listeners to
vote for the actress they would "harass most."
The suspension will last two months, starting on Monday.
The program's producer and DJ will also be suspended from their duties for
two months.
The commercial radio station said they had reached consensus with cooperators
and sponsors that an apology to people and institutions who suffered from the
program's content was in order.
The radio show launched an online vote for "The Hong Kong Actress I Want to
Harass Most" a few days ago. It also provided a list of 20 famous actresses and
gave listeners a week to vote.
The program encountered fierce protest and criticism instantly. A grassroots
women association said the program severely insulted women's dignity and
advocated improper values.
The official Women's Commission of Hong Kong said the vote was absolutely
unacceptable.
Hong Kong's Broadcasting Authority reportedly received 117 complaints and
will hold a conference next week to decide how to handle the incident.
Any radio program involving sex discrimination, improper ideology or that
influences people to violate the law is illegal, said Joseph W. P. Wong,
secretary of Commerce, Industry and Technology.
The Hong Kong government's decision will be based on findings of the
Broadcasting Authority's investigation, he said.
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