Ambrose Ho said he thinks more options in the market may have positive effects. File photo: RTHK
The Chairman of the Communications Authority (CA), Ambrose Ho, said on Monday that he does not think having new free-to-air television stations in Hong Kong would lead to "vicious competition".
He said he thinks more options in the market may instead have very positive effects. But Ho said the Executive Council could certainly hold a different view.
The Appeal Court last week ruled in favour of the council over its decision to refuse Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) a free-to-air licence in 2013. The decision sparked public outcry at the time. The council is currently vetting a second application by HKTV for a licence.
The CA also said there is not enough time now to deal with an application from Asia Television (ATV) to renew its non-domestic licence. This virtually shuts out the beleaguered broadcaster’s bid to continue using its local transmitters when its current licence for providing the service expires at the end of May.
The CA said it has yet to receive all documents, especially about shareholder changes, from ATV to vet its application.
A liquidation hearing for the troubled broadcaster will be held in the High Court on Wednesday.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1253732-20160411.htm
