Hong Kong: Media mogul challenges ban from TV license

The head of the Hong Kong Television Network is challenging the Chief Executive in Council to reconsider its earlier ruling that prevented the HKTN from earning a free-television license, a decision that went against the recommendations of the Broadcasting Authority.

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau cleared licenses to two other applicants, despite regulators promoting licenses for all three applicants to boost broadcasting competition. The head of HKTV, Ricky Wong Wai-kay, has reportedly filed a judicial request to the High Court, requesting that the Court require a reconsideration of the decision.

According to reports, officials argued the need for a “gradual and orderly” introduction of new competitors to the industry in defense of the application denial. But according to the challenge, the argument represents a sudden change to policy, claiming the city has held a policy to not limit the number of licenses allowed since 1998.

Full Content: South China Morning Post

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