Update | Two new free-TV licences approved, but backlash over HKTV's exclusion

Two new free television licences were yesterday awarded to i-Cable's Fantastic TV and PCCW's HK Television Entertainment Company.

But the government decision drew fire for failing to explain why the application of Ricky Wong Wai-kay's Hong Kong Television Network was rejected.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung said the chief executive and Executive Council had approved in principle the issuing of the two licences.

The stations are expected to start two new channels in a year after securing their licences.

A senior government source said a consultant's report had shown HKTV, previously known as City Telecom, to be the weakest applicant, and that Exco approved the licences "on merit with no political considerations".

But the rejection of HKTV's application, which was against the Broadcasting Authority's earlier recommendation that all three licences be granted, prompted a swift backlash. By 1.30am today, a Facebook page calling upon the government to issue a licence to HKTV had attracted some 256,000 "likes". Internet users were also preparing a protest on Sunday.