Hong Kong people are kept well informed by a vigorous media. They have a vast appetite for news and this demand has given rise to a healthy and outward-looking press, radio and television industry that enjoys complete freedom of expression. As at December 31, 2008, there were 45 daily newspapers and 699 periodicals (including a number of electronic newspapers), two domestic free television programme service licensees, three domestic pay television programme service licensees, 17 non-domestic television programme service licensees, one government-funded public service broadcaster, and two sound broadcasting licensees. The availability of the latest telecommunications technology and keen interest in Hong Kong's affairs have attracted many international news agencies, newspapers with international readership and overseas broadcasting corporations to establish regional headquarters or representative offices in Hong Kong. The successful regional publications produced underline its important position as a financial, industrial, trading and communications centre.