The Broadcasting Authority and the Office of the Telecommunications Authority will be merged to form a unified regulator, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau says.

Mrs Lau told lawmakers today forming the 'Communications Authority' will facilitate efficient, effective and co-ordinated regulation as continuing advancements in technology, telecommunications and broadcasting are converging.

The Government will soon table a bill at the Legislative Council proposing to establish the new authority before proceeding to revise associated laws, including the Broadcasting Ordinance.

Mrs Lau also said applications under the existing licensing and regulatory regime from any party which is interested in operating domestic free television services in Hong Kong are welcome.

"We adopt a market-driven approach, which is also technology neutral and without a pre-set limit on the number of licences to be issued. In light of the extensive coverage of TV broadcasting, the [ordinance] stipulates restrictions on cross-media ownership to avoid media concentration and editorial uniformity," she noted.