The Chief Executive-in-Council has granted Wave Media a 12-year licence to broadcast a new radio channel at frequency AM810kHz, the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau says.

Wave Media will broadcast 24 hours a day, mainly in Cantonese. Like other licensees it must provide news and weather reports, current affairs, arts and cultural programmes, public interest announcements, and shows for young people and senior citizens.

It will start broadcasts within two years of today's licence grant, and will provide a $2 million performance bond to ensure it begins service as committed.

It will be bound by all commitments made in the licence application, including its pledge to uphold freedom of expression.