HK radio apologizes for "sex assault"

[Berri]

I think this was triggered by Michelle Ye Suen's rape scene in "Central Affairs 2" which caused high-ratings of viewers.

Sexual assault survey sparks controversy



An Internet survey asking web surfers what actress they would most like to sexually assault has sparked controversy over media ethics in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua report June 7.

The survey was organized last week by a local radio station whose audience is mainly comprised of young people, in which some 20 famous Hong Kong actresses, including Athena Chu, Ruby Lin, Vivian Chow, and Kelly Chen were listed as potential targets for an imagined sexual assault.

The survey has met with great criticism throughout the region. Several women rights organizations have protested and appealed to the local media regulation body for a full investigation.



The station has apologized publicly under intense pressure.

Hong Kong Education Bureau director Li Guozhang says the radio program was irresponsible for the stunt, which is totally unacceptable.

"The radio station, especially in light of its largely young audience, should not promote such ethics or suggest committing a crime." Li says.

This isn't the first time the question of ethics has been raised concerning Hong Kong media. There was also controversy after the local magazine East Week made use of a famous actor's privacy for profit in 2002.



The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Media and Communications professor Liang Weixian says the program 's survey is a violation of human ethics. "Sexual assault is condemned throughout the world, but the program neglected this in the name of profits," he says.

"Media have a social function that magnifies the impact of their actions in society and should not be advocating crimes." Liang says.

"Media organizations should set up a stricter monitoring system inside the industry."

Hong Kong Parents Federation Chairman Chen Xiaozhu says programs such as the survey have a gradual impact on youngsters and induce them to commit crimes.

Kelly Chen, an actress listed on the survey, says she has no special feelings about the issue and she doesn't believe the participants in the survey would really assault the actresses.

Some even think that those on the list are more popular in general than those that aren't.

It's getting hard for serious media in Hong Kong to make a living. Culture village, a local culture magazine has closed its doors after eight years of losses and Hong Kong Culture has a circulation only in the thousands.




Hong Kong radio apologizes for "sex assault" poll

Shenzhen Daily


BEIJING, June 8 -- Hosts of a chat show on a Hong Kong radio station apologized on Tuesday for an Internet survey asking listeners to vote which actress they would most like to sexually assault.


The Commercial Radio poll drew widespread criticism last week, with teachers, legislators and ordinary citizens slamming it for advocating violence against women and for corrupting youth.


"The program hosts and co-workers publicly apologize for any offense that the Internet poll 'Which female artist would you most like to sexually assault' caused to female artists and everyone in Hong Kong," a message posted on the radio Web site said. The hosts also promised to be more careful in selecting the content of its shows in the future.


The show, "So Fab," is now being investigated by Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA), Hong Kong's broadcasting watchdog, following a string of complaints.


Listeners were asked to choose from a list of 20 female Chinese stars, including singer Joey Yung and actress Kelly Chen, as candidates for whom they'd most like to assault.


A channel spokeswoman said it was preparing a response to TELA's investigation.


"So Fab" broadcasts each week night between 10 p.m. and midnight and is aimed at a mainly teenage audience.


Women's groups protested outside TELA's offices Monday, demanding an apology from Commercial Radio.


"(They) used a public media channel to promote a crime," protest spokeswoman Eleanor Lam told RTHK.


"Sexual assault is faced by women all over the world. It's a very serious issue. It's not a joke. By doing this they (the radio station) are admitting they have no common sense or respect for dignity."


The Women's Commission, a government-funded organization that monitors women's issues, said it was appalled by the show.


"This is a blatant act of disrespect to females and encouraging violence against women," it said in a statement.[/img]