View of Hong Kong streets Photo: VCG

A complaint made by Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (HKPTU) against a China Central Television (CCTV) program was rejected by the Hong Kong Communications Authority (CA) on Tuesday.

In June of this year, the complained to the Hong Kong CA that CCTV's program "Another Hong Kong" had repeatedly "made false accusations" against HKPTU and "misled the public," according to news website singtao.com in Hong Kong.

However, in a decision notice released by Hong Kong CA on Tuesday on its website, the Hong Kong CA replied and "considered that the complaints were 'unjustified.'" 

This is the first time the CA considers complaints concerning impartiality and fairness of factual programs not produced locally on controversial issues of public importance in Hong Kong, said the CA.

The CA explained that since acquired or relayed programs were unlikely to target a primarily exclusive audience in Hong Kong, it was "unreasonable and unrealistic to impose an obligation on local broadcasters" to let them make sure the acquired or relayed programs fully comply with the regulatory requirements in Hong Kong.

The CA also added that it would be very difficult to make substantial changes to the content of acquired factual programs for it would severely harm the integrity of such programs.

"Another Hong Kong", launched by CCTV earlier in 2020, was broadcast on two local TV stations in Hong Kong. In the second episode of the program, it was mentioned that the anti-government riots in Hong Kong were caused by problems in education. The program criticized the HKPTU, which then filed the complaint. 

The HKPTU, which has nearly 100,000 members, is a trade union composed of teachers at all levels of Hong Kong universities, middle schools, primary schools, and kindergartens.

The HKPTU replied to the decision of CA on its website on Wednesday, saying that the Union "feels pity for the decision and requires the CA to review the decision and the relevant justifications."