Hong Kong – According to a survey carried out in July 2009, most Hong Kong people want a third free TV station. The Democratic Party survey of 800 respondents showed 76 percent would welcome another free TV station in addition to those of TVB and ATV. The poll results came on the heels of a Cable TV announcement that it would apply for a license for a third free-to-air television station. Despite TVB still leading in popularity, the survey showed the station fell from 67 percent in February to 55.3 percent last month while ATV gained 8 percentage points to 22 percent from 14.2 percent. On self-censorship, 25.6 percent said ATV practices it with its news while 36.4 percent said TVB does. Lee Wing-tat, deputy chairman of the Legislative Council panel on information technology and broadcasting, said there should be open competition between TV stations to increase program quality. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan greeted the Cable TV move, while Stephen Chan Chi-wan, general manager of TVB said he welcomes more competition.