Airwave veteran: Franklin Wong brings years of experience to his new post as Director of Broadcasting.

Broadcast veteran Franklin Wong has been appointed Director of Broadcasting, effective August 8 tomorrow.

Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue welcomed his appointment, saying he possesses sound professional skills, solid working experience in the broadcasting industry and proven management abilities.

"I have every confidence that he will bring his wealth of knowledge to the work of  RTHK and lead the department in meeting the challenges ahead. I am also confident that the staff of RTHK will give him their best support under his leadership," she said.

Governance enhancement

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Mr Wong said he is honoured to have been appointed the broadcasting chief, adding he is eager to learn from the ever-changing media landscape.

"I will work closely with RTHK staff to enhance the body's governance to ensure public money is well spent and well accounted for," he said.

On progamming direction, Mr Wong said the body will maintain its high standard in fairness and objectivity while ensuring creativity and innovation.

As the Government is about to review its public service broadcasting policy, he will lead RTHK staff to participate actively in the review and consultation.

He hoped a consensus can be reached on the future development of Hong Kong's public service broadcasting.

"I will work hand in hand with my colleagues in RTHK to face the challenges ahead," he added.

Aged 65, Mr Wong has had an extensive career in broadcasting and the media.

He began his career at Radio Hong Kong, joining as Programme Officer grade in 1966 before moving into roles as announcer, commentator and producer.

He took part in the establishment of RTHK's television service in the early '70s, and produced and directed its first drama series, "Below the Lion Rock".

Later, Mr Wong was seconded to the Independent Commission Against Corruption as Chief Publicity Officer in 1975-76, and later returned to the ICAC as the media team leader from 1990-94.

He served in a major broadcasting and media organisations overseas, including Astro Malaysia, where he was Production Controller from 1997-98, and MediaCorp Studios in Singapore, where he was Chief Executive Officer from 2000-03.

At MediaCorp, Mr Wong led a substantial transformation of this 1,100-staff production arm of the publicly-funded broadcasting corporation.

From 2004-07, Mr Wong was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Beijing-based CultureLink, producing quality documentary series for distribution to major international television networks in more than 90 countries.