Three Free TV Licenses Renewed for 12 Years with HK$9.48 Billion Investment Pledges
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Executive Council has approved 12-year license renewals for Hong Kong Television Entertainment (ViuTV), Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), and I-Cable's HOY TV, with the three free-to-air broadcasters pledging a combined investment of HK$94.78 billion over the first six years . The Communications Authority has implemented both deregulation measures and strengthened requirements, including raising the mandatory national education programming quota from 30 minutes to one hour per week as a separate category . The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau stated that the renewals demonstrate the government's commitment to fostering a favourable business environment while balancing the evolving broadcasting landscape with public expectations .
Key Points
- Three free TV licenses renewed for 12 years; Hong Kong Television Entertainment (2027-2039), TVB (2027-2039), and HOY TV (2028-2040)
- Combined investment commitment of HK$94.78 billion over six years: ViuTV HK$22.98bn, TVB HK$62.3bn, HOY TV HK$9.5bn
- National education programs now a standalone category requiring one hour weekly, up from 30 minutes in current affairs
- Mandarin programming allowed to increase from 2.4 to 4.8 hours daily on Cantonese channels
- Local production requirements increased by 10%; English programs promoting Hong Kong now mandatory at one hour weekly
- Synchronous broadcast limit set at 20% of daily hours; designated programming categories reduced by 25%
Why It Matters
The renewal comes as Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan aims to enhance international communication capabilities for mainstream media, positioning the city as an Asian metropolis . The Communications Authority will conduct public consultation on a new principle-based Television General Business Code by end-2026, targeting implementation by mid-2027 to remove outdated regulations .
The renewal comes as Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan aims to enhance international communication capabilities for mainstream media, positioning the city as an Asian metropolis . The Communications Authority will conduct public consultation on a new principle-based Television General Business Code by end-2026, targeting implementation by mid-2027 to remove outdated regulations .