Hong Kong Commercial Radio announced on Wednesday that it is suspending one of its programs, which asked listeners to vote for the actress they would "harass most."

The suspension will last two months, starting on Monday.

The program's producer and DJ will also be suspended from their duties for two months.

The commercial radio station said they had reached consensus with cooperators and sponsors that an apology to people and institutions who suffered from the program's content was in order.

The radio show launched an online vote for "The Hong Kong Actress I Want to Harass Most" a few days ago. It also provided a list of 20 famous actresses and gave listeners a week to vote.

The program encountered fierce protest and criticism instantly. A grassroots women association said the program severely insulted women's dignity and advocated improper values.

The official Women's Commission of Hong Kong said the vote was absolutely unacceptable.

Hong Kong's Broadcasting Authority reportedly received 117 complaints and will hold a conference next week to decide how to handle the incident.

Any radio program involving sex discrimination, improper ideology or that influences people to violate the law is illegal, said Joseph W. P. Wong, secretary of Commerce, Industry and Technology.

The Hong Kong government's decision will be based on findings of the Broadcasting Authority's investigation, he said.

(Shanghai Daily June 9, 2006)