Update | Calls for government to explain denial of free-TV licence to HKTV mount

More current and former executive councillors are urging the government to explain its rejection of Hong Kong Television Network's bid for a free-to-air television licence, as consensus builds across the political spectrum that a third licence should be granted.

The mounting pressure comes as HKTV staff continue their sit-in outside government headquarters after a march brought tens of thousands of protesters to Tamar on Sunday.

Calls for an explanation came from Exco member Starry Lee Wai-king and former Exco member Henry Tang Ying-yen, while executive councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee suggested HKTV could appeal.

The government, meanwhile, issued its sixth statement - including officials' public speeches - since its controversial announcement last week granting licences to i-Cable's Fantastic TV and PCCW's Hong Kong Television Entertainment but not to Ricky Wong Wai-kay's HKTV.

It reiterated its stock position that the decision included "no political consideration" and was made after the assessment of "all relevant factors".

Pan-democrats have shown support for a joint petition planned by pro-government lawmaker James Tien Pei-chun to press for a licence for HKTV.