Hong Kong starts public consultation on radio licence renewals
Hong Kong's communications regulator launched a two-month public consultation on renewing radio broadcasting licences for Commercial Radio and Metro Radio, which expire on August 25, 2028. The regulator will assess past performance and gather public views before submitting recommendations to the Chi
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (October 7) began a two-month public consultation on applications to renew the sound broadcasting licences of Commercial Radio Hong Kong and Metro Radio.
The licences of both broadcasters are set to expire on August 25, 2028. Commercial Radio and Metro Radio have submitted renewal applications to the regulator in compliance with licence conditions requiring submissions at least 24 months before expiry.
Under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Chapter 106), the Communications Authority will evaluate the licensees' past performance and collect public views through multiple channels, including a two-month consultation, surveys, an online public meeting and focus groups.
Public submissions can be made in writing by email, fax or post from October 7 to December 6, 2026. An online public consultation meeting will be held on November 7, 2026. Details are available on the OFCA website.
The authority will consider each licensee's performance, renewal plans, industry and public feedback, and market developments before submitting recommendations to the Chief Executive-in-Council by May 2027.
Both licences were originally granted for 12 years from August 26, 2016. Because the licences expire on the same date, the regulator will process both renewal applications together under established procedures.
