2013 - 香港電視不獲發牌 The rejection of HKTV’s TV licence application

Background:

In 2009, three TV networks applied for free TV licence. In 2013, the Executive Council accepted the application of iCable and PCCW. HKTV was rejected despite its efforts in preparations with some TV programmes ready to air. Wong Wei Kay, the Chairman of HKTV, criticized the decision as unjust, and argued that proper procedures were not followed in the process.

As the government failed to defend the decision-making process or the grounds for rejecting HKTV, public discontentment subsequently rose. The government’s official reason for preventing a cutthroat competition in the free TV market was not regarded as acceptable by the public.

Details:

In 2009, three TV networks applied for free TV licence. In 2013, the Executive Council accepted the application of iCable and PCCW. HKTV was rejected despite its efforts in preparations with some TV programmes ready to air. Wong Wei Kay, the Chairman of HKTV, criticized the decision as unjust, and argued that proper procedures were not followed in the process. As the government failed to defend the decision-making process or the grounds for rejecting HKTV, public discontentment subsequently rose. The government’s official reason for preventing a cutthroat competition in the free TV market was not regarded as acceptable by the public.

Consequences:

Chief Executive CY Leung was under fire for the lack of consultation on this matter and making decision by himself behind closed doors. His popularity dropped to a new low. This controversy was further politicized as some suspected HKTV was rejected due to political reasons.

News Report from South China Morning Post, 17 October 2013

News Report from South China Morning Post, 18 November 2013

News Report from South China Morning Post, 20 May 2015

Pro-Beijing commentary, Ta Kung Pao, 23 October 2013 (Chinese) (English-translated)

Pro-Democracy commentary, Apple Daily, 21 October 2013 (Chinese) (English-translated)