PCCW Outlines Free-TV Plans

HONG KONG: PCCW has unveiled more details about its planned free-to-air network, which will feature local as well as imported drama series, sports coverage courtesy of sister pay-TV company nowTV and more.

Last week, the Hong Kong government approved in principle the issuing of a free-TV license to PCCW's HK Television Entertainment Company (HKTVE). The company plans to invest HK$600 million ($77.4 million) in the first three years of the service. Over the first six years, a total investment of more than HK$1.3 billion ($168 million) is planned, a substantial portion of which will be invested in programming and production.

Preparing for the new network, PCCW has already expanded its local production capabilities in news, sports, entertainment, drama, travel, food, lifestyle and variety programming. It is also recruiting for creative talent. Local drama will be a key part of the programming mix, as well as acquired series. Filming has already been completed on the HK$60-million period drama Empress Wei Zifu. Two more dramas are already in the works. Sports will also be on the grid, given PCCW's acquisition of Barclays Premier League, Spanish La Liga, ATP tennis and more for its pay-TV service.