A public policy strategy for cable development: The experience of Hong Kong

This article proposes a strategy for the development of cable television in relatively small countries with limited resources and a unique language. Hong Kong, where cable is imminent, offers a case study in which to apply the strategy. The authors first present a chronology of the evolution of cable policy in Hong Kong, then discuss a strategy for permitting cable to develop with the necessary freedom to fully test the market, but at the same time protecting consumers, broadcast television and the domestic television production system from abuse if the subscription system were to come to dominate television.