The government on Tuesday announced the renewal of domestic free-to-air television licences for HK Television Entertainment (HKTVE), TVB and i-Cable HOY for a period of 12 years, along with a series of regulatory relaxation and enhancement measures.

The Chief Executive in Council made the decision after accepting the recommendations of the Communications Authority, which had taken into consideration the licensees' performance, public views and the latest industry developments.

The renewed licences take effect from April 2027 for HKTVE, December 2027 for TVB, and May 2028 for i-Cable HOY.

The relaxation measures include greater flexibility to broadcast non-designated language programmes on integrated Chinese and English channels, and a reduction in broadcast hours for positive programmes.

Enhancement requirements include increased local production and broadcast of English programmes on Hong Kong stories and national education, stricter subtitling rules and a cap on simulcast content.

The three stations have committed to investing a total of nearly HK$9.5 billion over the first six years of their renewed licences, with TVB alone pledging HK$6.23 billion.

"The CE in Council's decision of renewing the free TV licences, along with the timely regulatory updates, has demonstrated the government's commitment to cultivating a more favourable business environment for our broadcasting industry to thrive in, capitalise on the strength of the 'Hong Kong brand', and reinforce Hong Kong's position as Asia's world city," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said in a statement.


Edited by Edmond Fong