High Court Asks Government to Reconsider HKTV's License Application

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HKTV may have another chance to enter the Hong Kong television market. Yesterday, the Hong Kong High Court ruled in favor of HKTV, claiming that it was unlawful of Chief Executive CY Leung (梁振英) and his cabinet to reject HKTV’s application for a free-to-air license in Hong Kong.

HKTV, i-Cable’s Fantastic TV, and PCCW’s HKTVE applied for free domestic television licenses, but HKTV’s application was rejected by the government in October 2013. The decision led to public outcry, and large-scale protests were held around Hong Kong in support of HKTV, demanding the government for an explanation to HKTV’s rejection. HKTV appealed for a judicial review.

Yesterday, the High Court ruled that when the government denied HKTV’s license, it failed to comply to a broadcasting policy established in 1998, which stated that there should be no limit to free broadcasters in Hong Kong. The High Court announced, “Hong Kong television is always hoping to provide more entertainment and high quality programs for Hong Kong society, to support the development of our creative industry. This position should not change.”

HKTV Chairman Ricky Wong (王維基) was ecstatic when the ruling was announced. He expressed, “I am extremely thankful to the court. I believe that our HKTV employees and the Hong Kong people are also very happy about this. I am excited for our success. From the beginning HKTV only has one simple wish, and that is to provide the Hong Kong people with more free entertainment, to minimize society’s complaints, contradictions, and oppositions. I sincerely hope that the Chief Executive and the executive council will reconsider HKTV’s application and quickly approve the free license.”



Creds: ihktv