The South China Morning Post has reported that the Communications Authority (CA) said their advice was ignored, and that the government did not respond to them before making the decision not to award Ricky Wong's HKTV, a new player, a free TV licence. The news report adds that in its submission to the government, the CA said that all three applicants - HKTV, Fantastic TV and HKTVE, met the statutory requirements and the four criteria listed by the government - financial … [Read more...] about Hong Kong regulator accuses government of ignoring advice
HKTV
Hong Kong reasserts absence of cap on FTA licences
According to The Standard, Hong Kong's Commerce Secretary Gregory So Kam- leung has ordered his staff to reinstate a statement indicating there is no limit to the number of FTA TV licenses to be granted - a statement which had been deleted from the official website in September 2013. The Executive Council has thus far maintained silence, in accordance with its principle of confidentiality, over why HKTV was refused an FTA licence. This website update is seen by some as a … [Read more...] about Hong Kong reasserts absence of cap on FTA licences
Hong Kong citizens to switch off TVs to protest FTA licensing
The Standard has reported that thousands of Hong Kong citizens are expected to join a campaign to switch off their televisions on October 30, 2013 against the government's decision on free-to-air licenses, adding that the campaign was initiated by a group of bloggers. A Facebook page, which has more than 2,500 likes, encourages viewers to turn their sets off between 7pm and 11pm on the day. The page appeals to the public to turn of their TVs - whether to support Ricky Wong, to demand that … [Read more...] about Hong Kong citizens to switch off TVs to protest FTA licensing
HKTVE to invest HK$600 million in first three years of Free TV service
Hong Kong – The Chief Executive-in-Council recently granted PCCW Limited the approval-in-principle for the group company HK Television Entertainment Company Limited’s (HKTVE) application for a Domestic Free Television Programme Service Licence (Free TV licence). The company announced a total investment plan across the first six years of operations estimated to be over HK$1.3 billion, and a substantial part of which will be invested in programming and production. HKTVE … [Read more...] about HKTVE to invest HK$600 million in first three years of Free TV service
BREAKING: Public protest initiated in aftermath of HKTV’s FTA licence rejection
More than 7,000 people have pledged online their support for and presence at the public protest against the Hong Kong government's decision not to award HKTV a free-to-air licence. The two Facebook posts invite supporters of the network to join in on either of two protest routes on Sunday, October 20, 2013. The first requests supporters to assemble at Central Pier 9, dressed in black, and the second parade calls for support at East Point Road. There is no indication that either of … [Read more...] about BREAKING: Public protest initiated in aftermath of HKTV’s FTA licence rejection
Hong Kong gov’t awards FTA licences to i-Cable and PCCW, excludes HKTV
Two new FTA television licences were awarded to i-Cable's Fantastic TV and PCCW's HK Television Entertainment Company. TheSouth China Morning Post reported that the stations are expected to start two new channels in a year after securing their licences. The report added that a consultant's report had shown HKTV, previously known as City Telecom, to be the weakest applicant, and that the licences were approved with no political considerations, but that this decision is against the … [Read more...] about Hong Kong gov’t awards FTA licences to i-Cable and PCCW, excludes HKTV