Hong Kong renews free-TV licences for 12 years with relaxed rules
The Hong Kong government has renewed the free-TV licences of TVB, HKTVE and i-Cable for 12 years, introducing relaxations and stricter requirements to foster industry growth. The changes aim to balance evolving broadcasting trends with public expectations.
The Hong Kong government has approved the renewal of free-to-air television licences for three broadcasters for another 12 years, alongside a series of relaxed measures and tightened requirements aimed at fostering the local broadcasting industry.
The Communications Authority said on Tuesday that the Chief Executive in Council had accepted the licence renewal applications from HKTVE, TVB and i-Cable Wharf News, with new terms taking effect at different dates between 2027 and 2028. The authority said it had fully considered the licensees' performance, public feedback and recent developments in the broadcasting sector.
Under the renewed licences, broadcasters will enjoy greater flexibility in airing non-designated language programmes on their Cantonese and English general channels, and the required hours for designated programming will be reduced. However, they will face stricter obligations, including increased hours for locally produced content, English programmes that tell the story of Hong Kong, and programmes related to national education. Subtitling requirements will also be strengthened, and a cap will be imposed on simultaneous broadcasting hours.
The Communications Authority said the updated regulatory requirements will be implemented through licence conditions or directives. It has also streamlined administrative arrangements and complaint-handling procedures to reduce compliance costs for the licensees.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said the decision to renew the licences and update regulations demonstrates the government's commitment to creating a more favourable business environment for the broadcasting industry. He noted that Hong Kong's first five-year plan called for enhancing the international communication capabilities of mainstream media, and that the renewed licences would help consolidate Hong Kong's status as an Asian international city by leveraging the "Hong Kong brand".
The bureau spokesman added that the authority's recommendations strike a balance between addressing the evolving broadcasting landscape and meeting public expectations.
The renewed licences are valid for the following periods: HKTVE from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2039; TVB from 1 December 2027 to 30 November 2039; and i-Cable from 31 May 2028 to 30 May 2040.