Hong Kong – Tension has been building up in Hong Kong as telcos apply for FTA (free-to-air) licenses, resulting in the possibility of more free-to-air channels that may arise. TVB has warned its emerging rivals that the television business was not as profitable as it might appear since advertising income had not grown in the past 15 years.
Despite TVB’s warning, City Telecom (Hong Kong) Limited, Fantastic Television Limited (a subsidiary of i-Cable) and Hong Kong Television Entertainment Company Limited have each submitted an application for a domestic free television programme service license.
FTA licensing in Hong Kong causes tension among broadcasters, the government
Apprehensions abound as telcos apply for FTA licenses.
Hong Kong – Tension has been building up in Hong Kong as telcos apply for FTA (free-to-air) licenses, resulting in the possibility of more free-to-air channels that may arise. TVB has warned its emerging rivals that the television business was not as profitable as it might appear since advertising income had not grown in the past 15 years.
Despite TVB’s warning, City Telecom (Hong Kong) Limited, Fantastic Television Limited (a subsidiary of i-Cable) and Hong Kong Television Entertainment Company Limited have each submitted an application for a domestic free television programme service license.
The government’s inability to give a definite reply on the applications for new licenses has caused much frustration in the television broadcasting industry. According to Stephen Ng Tin-hoi, chairman of i-Cable Communications, the government’s failure to give a decision had caused its advantage in the market to diminish.
Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, has commented that the outcome of the free-TV license applications will have a profound impact on the domestic free television programme service market. Applications will be accessed in accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance with a number of relevant factors being taken into account.
Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, has commented that the outcome of the free-TV license applications will have a profound impact on the domestic free television programme service market. Applications will be accessed in accordance with the Broadcasting Ordinance with a number of relevant factors being taken into account.
