Veteran journalist Leung Ka-wing is RTHK's new boss

Veteran journalist Leung Ka-wing has been named by the Hong Kong government as the new director of broadcasting, effective August 6, 2015, replacing Roy Tang Yun-kwong.

Leung, 62, whose career as a journalist included stints as news chief at both Television Broadcasts (TVB) and Asia Television (ATV), has been handed the responsibility of leading Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) into a digital radio and television future.

RTHK employees and the Journalists Association said they welcomed Leung's  journalistic credentials and the fact that the broadcaster would no longer be led by a bureaucrat, but they expressed reservations about Leung's ability to resist political pressure.

Leung become the talk of the town in July 2011 while he was news chief of ATV, when he wrongly reported that former president Jiang Ze Min had died.

Most believed he was forced by his bosses to make such reports, although he took full responsibility and subsequently resigned. This incident has raised concerns from some about his ability to resist political pressure.

In announcing his appointment, the government said Leung possessed "extensive professional knowledge" and "proven management abilities".

"I am confident he will be able to steer RTHK forward in meeting new challenges," secretary for the civil service Clement Cheung Wan Ching said.

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