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Hong Kong Communications Authority urged to explain approval of TVB channel lease to satellite TV operator to ‘clear doubts’
- TVB has leased a channel to satellite TV firm, allowing it to broadcast content without the need to go through complicated process of applying for free-to-air licence
- Communications Authority says there are precedents for a free-TV broadcaster to air content supplied by third parties
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A recent decision by Hong Kong authorities to allow the city’s biggest free-to-air broadcaster, TVB, to collaborate with a satellite TV operator on running a channel has sparked controversy over its instant access to the local market, with unanswered questions remaining.
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TVB has leased one of its five free-to-air channels to “Phoenix Hong Kong Channel”, allowing it to broadcast content without the need to go through the lengthy and complicated process of applying for a free-to-air licence from the Communications Authority (CA).
When asked about the controversy in an interview on Thursday, TVB chairman Thomas Hui To said the collaboration with Phoenix was carried out in “a very open manner with a proper process”, and that “Hongkongers should be happy” to have more content available.
The authority said there were precedents for a free-TV broadcaster to air content supplied by third parties.
Legislator Doreen Kong Yuk-foon urged the authority to explain to the public the rationale behind its approval.
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