National security in Hong Kong is still a work in progress. The latest rule for broadcasters to produce relevant programmes underlines the government’s determination on this front. Coming after the enactment of a law imposed by Beijing more than two years ago, the move is not surprising. What matters is the content and format. The presentation should be in a way that enhances understanding and compliance rather than indoctrinating.

As part of the midterm licensing review, free-to-air TV and radio broadcasters must run at least 30 minutes of content on the national security law, national education and identity each week, on top of the existing required hours of current affairs programmes. Separately, the weekly hours for “young persons” will be doubled, while radio stations will be allowed to reduce their total hours in English to 55 per cent, compared with the current minimum of 80 per cent.

There have been different requirements for promoting civic education via the airwaves over the years. The playing of the national anthem before the daily main news is one example, and another is the authorities’ promotion of the Basic Law, the mini-constitution of the city. The government has also stepped up publicity on the national security law as well as other policy initiatives in recent years. Such TV and radio commercials with “public interest” have become part and parcel of daily life, but they are also seen by some as just more propaganda.

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Such negative sentiment is tied to the development of society. Although people’s sense of national identity and patriotism has increased considerably since reunification, the tightening grip on the city in recent years has also fuelled resistance in some quarters. The top-down requirement for further broadcasting initiatives must be carefully handled to avoid deepening the divide.