ATV's soap opera drama centred on James Shing set for a long run
Although it seems certain James Shing will leave his post as executive director, it is unlikely saga will end soon as supporters rally for him to stay
Commerce minister Greg So Kam-leung toughened the government's stance on ATV's executive director James Shing Pan-yu yesterday, calling him unfit for either his current position or a non-executive directorship.
"[On the question of] whether he can stay as a director, I'll give you a very simple answer: No," said So. He said only a proper candidate could be in charge of the operations of a licensed broadcaster. And he said Shing must follow the rules and leave his post this week.
Shing has been criticised for breaching ATV's licensing terms by allowing investor Wong Ching to interfere with its day-to-day operations in such areas as staff discipline, show production and promotion, even though Wong, who is neither a shareholder in the company nor a director, has no official role in its management.
The Communications Authority said Shing had tampered with meeting records to play down Wong's role.
In its toughest punishment, the government ordered Shing to be removed from the broadcaster's operations and imposed a HK$1 million fine - the maximum possible financial penalty - a stern warning that the broadcaster must adhere to the rules and protect itself against undue interference.
Despite this, the station was still preparing to appeal against the ruling. Last Wednesday, scores of staff and supporters rallied at the government headquarters in Admiralty to protest against the order to remove Shing. At least 70 pro-ATV protesters faced off against anti-ATV demonstrators as both sides shouted expletives at one another and police helped to keep them apart.