Jump to content

Headliner (TV programme): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
AS2047 (talk | contribs)
11 edits
→Police force complaint: added petition
update
Line 19: Line 19:
| caption = Title card of ''Headliner'' in 2020.
| caption = Title card of ''Headliner'' in 2020.
}}
}}
'''''Headliner''''' ({{zh|t=頭條新聞}}) is a Hong Kong [[news satire]] television program produced by [[Radio Television Hong Kong|RTHK]] that airs on [[TVB Jade]] and [[RTHK TV 31]] (since 2014), which satires current affairs in Hong Kong, [[mainland China]] and the rest of the world.
'''''Headliner''''' ({{zh|t=頭條新聞}}) is a Hong Kong [[news satire]] television program produced by [[Radio Television Hong Kong|RTHK]] that airs on [[RTHK TV 31]] (since 2014), which satires current affairs in Hong Kong, [[mainland China]] and the rest of the world.


The show contains satirical sketches with [[self-referential humor]], along with segments of news clips paired with music ([[Cantopop]] in particular), plus content from guest contributors. It first aired on 4 April 1989, being critical of the [[Hong Kong government|government in Hong Kong]]. A radio version of the show was briefly aired during the 1990s.
The show contains satirical sketches with [[self-referential humor]], along with segments of news clips paired with music ([[Cantopop]] in particular), plus content from guest contributors. It first aired on 4 April 1989, being critical of the [[Hong Kong government|government in Hong Kong]]. A radio version of the show was briefly aired during the 1990s.


''Headliner'' was suspended in May 2020 after the [[Communications Authority]] issued a warning to the broadcaster for "insulting" the police force in an episode aired on 14 February.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Hong Kong's Public Broadcaster Suspends Satirical TV Show After Complaints Over Police Portrayal|url=https://time.com/5839287/radio-television-hong-kong-press-freedom-headliner/|website=Time|language=en|access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref>
== Controversies ==

== Incidents ==


=== Tung Chee-hwa comment ===
=== Tung Chee-hwa comment ===
In October 2001, [[Tung Chee-hwa]], the first [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong]], commented that ''Headliner'' is "bad-taste production" after an episode aired on 13 October 2001 linked his administration to the [[Taliban]]. Chinese state newspaper [[People's Daily]] and [[Ta Kung Pao]] also criticised the programme and RTHK for being "anti-Tung".<ref name="CUHKPress">{{cite book |title=The first Tung Chee-hwa administration: the first five years of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region |author=Siu-kai Lau |author2=Zhaojia Liu |page=251 |year=2002 |publisher=[[Chinese University Press]] |isbn=978-962-996-015-5 }}</ref>
In October 2001, [[Tung Chee-hwa]], the first [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong]], commented that ''Headliner'' is "bad-taste production" after an episode aired on 13 October 2001 linked his administration to the [[Taliban]]. Chinese state newspaper [[People's Daily]] and [[Ta Kung Pao]] also criticised the programme and RTHK for being "anti-Tung".<ref name="CUHKPress">{{cite book |title=The first Tung Chee-hwa administration: the first five years of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region |author=Siu-kai Lau |author2=Zhaojia Liu |page=251 |year=2002 |publisher=[[Chinese University Press]] |isbn=978-962-996-015-5 }}</ref>


=== TVB suspension ===
=== TVB cancellation ===
On 5 July 2017, a first-run episode of the ''Headliner'' was cancelled by [[Television Broadcasts Limited|TVB]] network for airing a speech by [[China]]'s [[paramount leader]] [[Xi Jinping]], which visited Hong Kong during the week that episode aired. The episode was later aired on its [[TVB Finance & Information Channel|J5 channel]] instead, while the RTHK TV 31 premiere remain untouched.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ng |first1=Ellie |title=TVB accused of self-censorship over sudden suspension of political satire show during Xi Jinping's visit |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/07/05/tvb-accused-self-censorship-sudden-suspension-political-satire-show-xi-jinpings-visit/ |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=5 July 2017}}</ref> TVB was accused for self-censorship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Kimmy |title=TVB hits back at criticism over pulling Xi Jinping programme |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101428/tvb-hits-back-criticism-pull-one-rthk-programme-chinese |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=5 July 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Amen Ng Man-yee, head of corporate communications of RTHK, stated that complaints has been made. Ng added that they are "awfully displeased" and believe that the suspension is "unusual and unprofessional".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Sophie |last=Hui |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/184741/TVB-show-switch-sparks-complaints|title=TVB show switch sparks complaints|date=5 July 2017 |website=The Hong Kong Standard|language=en|access-date=19 February 2020 }}</ref>
On 5 July 2017, a first-run episode of the ''Headliner'' was cancelled by [[Television Broadcasts Limited|TVB]] for airing a speech by [[China]]'s [[paramount leader]] [[Xi Jinping]], which visited Hong Kong during the week that episode aired. The episode was later aired on its [[TVB Finance & Information Channel|J5 channel]] instead, while the RTHK TV 31 premiere remain untouched.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ng |first1=Ellie |title=TVB accused of self-censorship over sudden suspension of political satire show during Xi Jinping's visit |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/07/05/tvb-accused-self-censorship-sudden-suspension-political-satire-show-xi-jinpings-visit/ |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=5 July 2017}}</ref> TVB was accused for self-censorship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Kimmy |title=TVB hits back at criticism over pulling Xi Jinping programme |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2101428/tvb-hits-back-criticism-pull-one-rthk-programme-chinese |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=5 July 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Amen Ng Man-yee, head of corporate communications of RTHK, stated that complaints has been made. Ng added that they are "awfully displeased" and believe that the suspension is "unusual and unprofessional".<ref>{{Cite web|first=Sophie |last=Hui |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/184741/TVB-show-switch-sparks-complaints|title=TVB show switch sparks complaints|date=5 July 2017 |website=The Hong Kong Standard|language=en|access-date=19 February 2020 }}</ref>


=== Police force complaint ===
=== Police force complaint and suspension ===
{{See also|Controversies of the Hong Kong Police Force#Stockpiling controversy}}
{{See also|Controversies of the Hong Kong Police Force#Stockpiling controversy}}
In February 2020, the [[Hong Kong Police Force]] issued an official complaint to the Director of Broadcasting of RTHK about an episode aired on 14 February, in particular a sketch performed by [[Wong He]] where he was dressed as a police officer. The sketch suggests that the force stockpiled large amount of protective gears while leaving other government departments and medical workers short of masks amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 outbreak]].<ref>{{Cite web|first=Kang-chung |last=Ng |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3051174/hong-kong-commerce-minister-warns-rthk-observe-broadcasting|title=RTHK warned over TV show implying police hoarded masks|date=18 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> The force said in the letter that they express "extreme regret", and argued that the supply is needed for a large workforce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3050882/coronavirus-hong-kong-police-reject-claims-they-are|title=Hong Kong police reject claims they are stockpiling masks for officers|first=Kang-chung |last=Ng |date=17 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref>
In February 2020, the [[Hong Kong Police Force]] issued an official complaint to the Director of Broadcasting of RTHK about an episode aired on 14 February, in particular a sketch performed by [[Wong He]] where he was dressed as a police officer. The sketch suggests that the force stockpiled large amount of protective gears while leaving other government departments and medical workers short of masks amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 outbreak]].<ref>{{Cite web|first=Kang-chung |last=Ng |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3051174/hong-kong-commerce-minister-warns-rthk-observe-broadcasting|title=RTHK warned over TV show implying police hoarded masks|date=18 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> The force said in the letter that they express "extreme regret", and argued that the supply is needed for a large workforce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3050882/coronavirus-hong-kong-police-reject-claims-they-are|title=Hong Kong police reject claims they are stockpiling masks for officers|first=Kang-chung |last=Ng |date=17 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref>
Line 39: Line 41:
The [[Office of the Communications Authority]] announced on 18 February that they have received more than 200 complaints about the programme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/02/20200218/20200218_112859_974.html|title=RTHK complaints managed|website=Hong Kong Information Services Department|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> [[Edward Yau]], the [[Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development]], urged RTHK to abide by its own charter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/18/P2020021800264.htm|title=CEDB responds to media enquiries on complaints about RTHK programme|website=Hong Kong Information Services Department|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> On 19 February, a group of pro-police protesters gathered outside the [[Hong Kong Police Headquarters|Police Headquarters]], urges the force to issue a warning letter or sue the broadcaster for libel, and stated that RTHK has defamed the police.<ref name="HKSFeb19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/142136/Pro-police-group-deplores--RTHK-satire|title=Pro-police group deplores RTHK satire|date=19 February 2020 |website=The Hong Kong Standard|access-date=19 February 2020 }}</ref> Staff of the show thanked the viewers on Facebook, citing the show will do its best with the support from viewers.<ref name="HKSFeb19"/> Within one day, the Headliner team's post had received some 197,000 thumbs up emojis by lunchtime, <ref name="HKSFeb19"/> and over 250,000 signatures were collected in an online petition in support of the programme by April.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erin |first1=Chan|date=2 Apr 2020 |title=250,000 back independence for RTHK |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/217825/250,000-back-independence-for-RTHK |website=the Standard |accessdate=20 May 2020}}</ref>
The [[Office of the Communications Authority]] announced on 18 February that they have received more than 200 complaints about the programme.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/02/20200218/20200218_112859_974.html|title=RTHK complaints managed|website=Hong Kong Information Services Department|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> [[Edward Yau]], the [[Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development]], urged RTHK to abide by its own charter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/18/P2020021800264.htm|title=CEDB responds to media enquiries on complaints about RTHK programme|website=Hong Kong Information Services Department|access-date=19 February 2020}}</ref> On 19 February, a group of pro-police protesters gathered outside the [[Hong Kong Police Headquarters|Police Headquarters]], urges the force to issue a warning letter or sue the broadcaster for libel, and stated that RTHK has defamed the police.<ref name="HKSFeb19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/142136/Pro-police-group-deplores--RTHK-satire|title=Pro-police group deplores RTHK satire|date=19 February 2020 |website=The Hong Kong Standard|access-date=19 February 2020 }}</ref> Staff of the show thanked the viewers on Facebook, citing the show will do its best with the support from viewers.<ref name="HKSFeb19"/> Within one day, the Headliner team's post had received some 197,000 thumbs up emojis by lunchtime, <ref name="HKSFeb19"/> and over 250,000 signatures were collected in an online petition in support of the programme by April.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erin |first1=Chan|date=2 Apr 2020 |title=250,000 back independence for RTHK |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/217825/250,000-back-independence-for-RTHK |website=the Standard |accessdate=20 May 2020}}</ref>


In May 2020, the [[Communications Authority]] issued a warning to the broadcaster for "insulting" the police force.<ref name=":0" /> RTHK issued an apology to police officers and all others who were offended, and suspended the program, adding that a review would also be done afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/19/hong-kong-public-broadcaster-axes-satirical-show-hours-after-govt-demands-apology-for-insulting-police/|title=Hong Kong public broadcast axes satirical show hours after government demands apology for insulting police|last=Grundy|first=Tom |date=19 May 2020 |website=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref> Yau said the ruling was fair and should be respected, and urged RTHK review its management.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commerce minister calls for RTHK to review internal governance after ruling|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3085298/commerce-minister-calls-hong-kong-broadcaster-rthk-review|date=2020-05-20|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref>
In May 2020, RTHK said the show was going to be suspended after this season.
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/19/hong-kong-public-broadcaster-axes-satirical-show-hours-after-govt-demands-apology-for-insulting-police/|title=Hong Kong public broadcast axes satirical show hours after government demands apology for insulting police|last=Grundy|first=Tom |date=19 May 2020 |website=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 20:02, 20 May 2020

Headliner
Title card of Headliner in 2020.
頭條新聞
Genre
Presented by
  • Ng Chi-sum
  • Tsang Chi-ho
  • Law Kai-sun
  • Wong He
Opening theme"To the Limit" by Richard Myhill
Country of originHong Kong
Original languageCantonese
Production
Running time21–22 minutes
Production companyRTHK
Original release
NetworkRTHK TV 31
ReleaseApril 4, 1989 (1989-04-04) –
present

Headliner (Chinese: 頭條新聞) is a Hong Kong news satire television program produced by RTHK that airs on RTHK TV 31 (since 2014), which satires current affairs in Hong Kong, mainland China and the rest of the world.

The show contains satirical sketches with self-referential humor, along with segments of news clips paired with music (Cantopop in particular), plus content from guest contributors. It first aired on 4 April 1989, being critical of the government in Hong Kong. A radio version of the show was briefly aired during the 1990s.

Headliner was suspended in May 2020 after the Communications Authority issued a warning to the broadcaster for "insulting" the police force in an episode aired on 14 February.[1]

Incidents

Tung Chee-hwa comment

In October 2001, Tung Chee-hwa, the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong, commented that Headliner is "bad-taste production" after an episode aired on 13 October 2001 linked his administration to the Taliban. Chinese state newspaper People's Daily and Ta Kung Pao also criticised the programme and RTHK for being "anti-Tung".[2]

TVB cancellation

On 5 July 2017, a first-run episode of the Headliner was cancelled by TVB for airing a speech by China's paramount leader Xi Jinping, which visited Hong Kong during the week that episode aired. The episode was later aired on its J5 channel instead, while the RTHK TV 31 premiere remain untouched.[3] TVB was accused for self-censorship.[4] Amen Ng Man-yee, head of corporate communications of RTHK, stated that complaints has been made. Ng added that they are "awfully displeased" and believe that the suspension is "unusual and unprofessional".[5]

Police force complaint and suspension

See also: Controversies of the Hong Kong Police Force § Stockpiling controversy

In February 2020, the Hong Kong Police Force issued an official complaint to the Director of Broadcasting of RTHK about an episode aired on 14 February, in particular a sketch performed by Wong He where he was dressed as a police officer. The sketch suggests that the force stockpiled large amount of protective gears while leaving other government departments and medical workers short of masks amid the COVID-19 outbreak.[6] The force said in the letter that they express "extreme regret", and argued that the supply is needed for a large workforce.[7]

RTHK later responded that they "understands the hard work of the police" but explains the show offered a satirical perspective based on "different voices in the society". RTHK Programme Staff Union also added that the police force should accept public criticism.[8]

The Office of the Communications Authority announced on 18 February that they have received more than 200 complaints about the programme.[9] Edward Yau, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, urged RTHK to abide by its own charter.[10] On 19 February, a group of pro-police protesters gathered outside the Police Headquarters, urges the force to issue a warning letter or sue the broadcaster for libel, and stated that RTHK has defamed the police.[11] Staff of the show thanked the viewers on Facebook, citing the show will do its best with the support from viewers.[11] Within one day, the Headliner team's post had received some 197,000 thumbs up emojis by lunchtime, [11] and over 250,000 signatures were collected in an online petition in support of the programme by April.[12]

In May 2020, the Communications Authority issued a warning to the broadcaster for "insulting" the police force.[1] RTHK issued an apology to police officers and all others who were offended, and suspended the program, adding that a review would also be done afterwards.[13] Yau said the ruling was fair and should be respected, and urged RTHK review its management.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b "Hong Kong's Public Broadcaster Suspends Satirical TV Show After Complaints Over Police Portrayal". Time. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
  2. ^ Siu-kai Lau; Zhaojia Liu (2002). The first Tung Chee-hwa administration: the first five years of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region. Chinese University Press. p. 251. ISBN 978-962-996-015-5.
  3. ^ Ng, Ellie (5 July 2017). "TVB accused of self-censorship over sudden suspension of political satire show during Xi Jinping's visit". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  4. ^ Chung, Kimmy (5 July 2017). "TVB hits back at criticism over pulling Xi Jinping programme". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  5. ^ Hui, Sophie (5 July 2017). "TVB show switch sparks complaints". The Hong Kong Standard. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  6. ^ Ng, Kang-chung (18 February 2020). "RTHK warned over TV show implying police hoarded masks". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  7. ^ Ng, Kang-chung (17 February 2020). "Hong Kong police reject claims they are stockpiling masks for officers". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  8. ^ Kwan, Angel (19 February 2020). "Heat mounts in police-RTHK fight". The Hong Kong Standard. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  9. ^ "RTHK complaints managed". Hong Kong Information Services Department. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  10. ^ "CEDB responds to media enquiries on complaints about RTHK programme". Hong Kong Information Services Department. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  11. ^ a b c "Pro-police group deplores RTHK satire". The Hong Kong Standard. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  12. ^ Erin, Chan (2 Apr 2020). "250,000 back independence for RTHK". the Standard. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  13. ^ Grundy, Tom (19 May 2020). "Hong Kong public broadcast axes satirical show hours after government demands apology for insulting police". Hong Kong Free Press. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  14. ^ "Commerce minister calls for RTHK to review internal governance after ruling". South China Morning Post. 2020-05-20. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Headliner_(TV_programme)&oldid=957843121"