TVB is seeking the public’s help to repair and rebuild its tarnished image. The company has recently announced its intent to accept programming ideas and will include the best in its prime-time lineup. Despite promises to change, TVB continues to face heavy criticism for its declining quality and uninspiring productions. Drastically different from its golden days in the 80s and 90s, the more recent dramas are plagued with illogical plots, overused storytelling techniques, and low production value. The company’s focus on promoting favored artists created many idols, though none can command the type of viewership guaranteed by top actors in the past. The harsh working conditions on the set further repelled its remaining pool of established artists; many chose to commit elsewhere as soon as their management contracts expired. The company is also threatened by the approval of two new free-to-air TV licenses this year. HKTV’s license rejection unveiled the brewing anger of Hong Kong citizens, who vented their frustrations by boycotting and attacking TVB, challenging its monopoly-like status in the local television market. During the 2013 TVB Anniversary Gala in November, protesters gathered in front of TVB Studios and staged a mock “funeral”, scattering “hell money” and chanting the death of TVB. Public Can Submit Ideas for TVB Productions Burdened by declining ratings and worsening public relations, TVB is taking extreme measures to ensure survival. It vowed to pursue legal action against media which it felt was biased in slandering TVB’s brand reputation. Aside from a revamped programming focus for 2014, the company has decided to seek creative ideas from the public, opening a platform for interested individuals to contribute to making more appealing content. Not only will TVB accept program proposals for dramas, it will also consider ideas for food and travel shows, and even for its English-language channel Pearl. Submissions must follow accepted broadcasting guidelines, and should not involve politics, religion, or violence. The best concepts will be produced by the company, all expenses paid with no budget limitation. TVB intends to create thirty-minute to one-hour pilot episodes and will test them during prime time. The most favorable programs will then earn a permanent slot in the lineup. More details will be revealed in January. TVB hopes to attract new talent through this initiative, and is likely using this opportunity to position itself as a viewer-friendly company. With the two new free-to-air TV stations gearing up to begin broadcast within the next few years, TVB is certainly working overtime to prove its value in a bid to retain viewer loyalty. Creds: Oriental Daily
I like the idea. Many people complain about their dramas, so give TVB ideas as to what you want to see.
It's a smart idea but with HK's broadcasting guidelines (should not involve politics, religion, or violence), there are still a lot of things that can't be don't right, it's holding all the stations back. Still good if they can bring in some fresh minds. It's also a great opportunity for creative minds to show their stuffs. TVB should also be cautious of plagiarisms.
TVB series are too conservative and the scriptwriting is terrible. I really doubt anything will change, to me it just looks like a publicity stunt.
