HK radio networks pick up pace in ratings war

<p>Hong Kong radio station Metro Broadcast is relaunching two of its </p><p>channels, while rival Commercial Radio is bolstering its news output in </p><p>a bid to win the ratings war. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Metro is rolling out Metro Finance and Metro Showbiz, to replace </p><p>existing channels Heat Radio and FM Select. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The changes are expected to occur some time this month. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Details of the new business arrangements were not disclosed; however, </p><p>appointments of key personnel have been announced. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Mr Sung Man Hei , who has more than 20 years' experience at the Hong </p><p>Kong Economic Journal, Express Daily and ATV, has been named as chief </p><p>operations officer and acting channel director of Metro Finance. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>In addition, Mr Chow Loy Mow, present chief creative officer of Metro </p><p>Broadcast, will take charge of Metro Showbiz's overall operations and </p><p>former senior Commercial Radio and BMG Records staffer Tang Kit Ming was </p><p>appointed as channel director of Metro Showbiz. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The changes are aimed at strengthening the positioning of Metro as a </p><p>station offering quality business and financial news and entertainment </p><p>programming. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"The content of a few programmes, such as Go for IT High Noon, Money </p><p>Power and Global Village News Headquarters have been enriched. ... We </p><p>will invite a number of market experts to act as our regular guest hosts </p><p>on Metro Finance," said Mr Kam Kwok Leung, chief executive officer of </p><p>Metro Broadcast. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Meanwhile, Ms Chan Suk Mei, director of news and public affairs of </p><p>Commercial Radio said the station aimed to be "a true news network": </p><p>"Quality content is our motto and most programmes will be strengthened," </p><p>she said. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>