Hong Kong’s Oldest Broadcaster Loses License

HONG KONG: The broadcasting license of free-to-air outlet Asia Television (ATV) is not being renewed by the Hong Kong government, after the cash-strapped company failed to deliver an acceptable restructuring plan.

ATV is Hong Kong's oldest broadcaster, having served audiences for the last 57 years. According to reports, it can remain on the air until April 1 of next year. The beleaguered broadcaster has not been able to pay its staff and has been seeking outside investment. Over the last 24 hours unconfirmed reports have emerged that Hong Kong Television Network—which was denied a free-to-air license last year—would become ATV's new majority shareholder.

Commerce Secretary Gregory So is quoted as saying: “ATV’s managers and ATV couldn’t give any concrete restructuring proposal before [our] deadline."

In related news, the Hong Kong government has awarded a free-TV broadcasting license to HK Television Entertainment, a subsidiary of PCCW, which operates the Now TV pay-TV platform.