For the second time this year, the Hong Kong government's Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) and police officers raided Citizen Radio, an underground radio station run by a group of activists. In both incidents, which happened in August 29 and October 13, the government and police officers arrested the organisers and confiscated their equipment. 

 

The broadcast outfit has been running underground for a year now because of the government's refusal to issue a radio broadcasting license.

At present, there are only two privately owned radio stations in Hong Kong. For years, the government has been refusing to issue licenses to any applicant, despite civil society's demand for more radio broadcasting licenses.

In response, Hong Kong's independent media organisations are strongly urging the government to “open radio bandwidth to the public and return the right of broadcasting to the people.”

A signature campaign in support of Citizen Radio has been launched by Hong Kong In-Media. To join the campaign, visit <http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/565065885?ltl=1164161191#body>.

Sources:
“Hong Kong Police Raid Independent Radio” from interlocals.net, posted on August 30, 2006, <http://www.interlocals.net/?q=node/264>.
“Signature Campaign for Citizen Radio Bandwidth” from interlocals.net, posted on October 15, 2006, <http://www.interlocals.net/?q=node/460>.