Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) has lodged a judicial review application to the High Court in relation to the recommendation by the former Broadcasting Authority (now Communications Authority) to issue three new free TV licences.

TVB reiterates that it is not blindly objecting to the issuance of new free TV licences and that it is not afraid of competition. However, the broadcaster states that the government must first clarify three crucial questions: What is the optimal number of free TV licences for Hong Kong? What are the criteria for deliberations? When will the new licences be issued?

TVB firmly believes that the deliberations of new licence applications must be conducted legally, equitably and transparently so as to ensure that there will be fair competition and a level playing field in the free TV market, and that the interest of the TV audience will be safeguarded. The government must also properly consult the existing industry players and conduct a market evaluation study, with a view to providing such information to the Executive Council in making an informed and right decision.

TVB claims it found that the relevant authorities have made some serious mistakes in their deliberations of the licence applications. The company also asserted that despite its repeated requests, the authorities have refused to rectify the mistakes so far. TVB had no alternative but to lodge the judicial review application to ensure that justice is done.