Opinion | Time to switch onto another TV problem

One thing outsiders may find interesting about Hong Kong is the obsession with television. For more than a month, the issue of free-to-air television licences has made everyone feel like a commentator. This week, television again captured the attention of many: TVB, the city's biggest commercial broadcaster, celebrated its 46th anniversary amid controversy over programme quality.

Meanwhile, government-funded RTHK announced its digital blueprint, including a dry run next year which will see it devote a channel to relaying China Central Television's Channel 9.

No wonder some joke about Hongkongers realising that, consciously or subconsciously, watching television could be one of our "core values".

While debate rages on how many free television licences the government should have issued, one point has not been much discussed: while RTHK will carry Channel 9, none of Hong Kong's channels can be carried in full by any mainland station. Not very reciprocal, right?

Of course, Hong Kong is a free market while the media in the mainland is the last piece of "virgin" territory that still prohibits any foreign investor from taking a majority stake. That frustrates many Hong Kong media, especially television operators.

RTHK brushed off concerns that by carrying a CCTV channel, it would be a government mouthpiece. But those who hold such views may not see the full picture: the fact Hong Kong carries mainland channels but not vice-versa is not only due to politics, but also financial interests.