News feed：Olympics broadcast rights
【明報專訊】UNPRECEDENTEDLY, the government has purchased the broadcasting rights to the Tokyo Olympics and will hand them to the five licensed broadcasters in the city, excluding RTHK. However, the government has declined to tell how much it has paid. It was reported that TVB paid US$15 million for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Mainland population
THE latest census data on the mainland shows its total population has increased to 1.412 billion. And the average age in mainland China is 38.8. However, ageing has worsened compared with 10 years ago, and there are still more males than females. Also, China's fertility rate will likely decrease rapidly in the next few years. It has been attributed to the mainland 's heavy education and housing burdens, which have discouraged couples from having babies.
Posting exchanges
IN CO-OPERATION WITH the mainland authorities, the Hong Kong government will soon sign posting exchange agreements with its counterparts in the Greater Bay Area. A Civil Service Union representative said that some higher-level civil servants, such as administrative officers, may be sent to the mainland to learn its management practices.
■Gear up
According to the passages on this page, circle the correct answers.
(1)There are more men than women in China.
( True / False / Not given )
(2) RTHK will also be able to broadcast the Tokyo Games live.
( True / False / Not given )
(3)Administrative officers are lower-level civil servants.
( True / False / Not given )
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
purchase (v) 購買
fertility (n) 生育
attribute to (v phr) 歸因於
management (n) 管理
[Smarties' Power English 第314期]
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