Update | Thousands gather as Admiralty rally airs clips from HKTV shows - for free
Excerpts from a much-awaited drama projected onto giant screen outside government headquarters in defiance of licensing rejection
Thousands of people left their small screens at home and gathered at the government headquarters in Admiralty last night to watch clips of Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) productions that might not otherwise get the chance to be aired for free.
Thunderous applause greeted footage of crime thriller The Borderline and infotainment show The Challenge at the protest, a continuation of Sunday's rally against a government decision to leave HKTV out of the free-television market while issuing licences to i-Cable's Fantastic Television and PCCW's HK Television Entertainment.
The first episode of Borderline, which went on YouTube in June, had attracted 850,000 views by last night. Borderline actor Liu Kai-chi told the audience that the company had changed the culture for drama actors.
"It has been a long time since I enjoyed acting in a drama. It used to be long hours of working without dignity or creativity," the former TVB actor said. "But now at HKTV, I am given time to rest, to digest and to ponder on my character. I can enjoy acting again."
Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, newly elected member of the Arts Development Council, said the incident had affected at least 60 students from the Academy for Performing Arts, where he was chairman of the alumni. "This is clearly a black-box operation."
Video: HKTV supporters gather at Hong Kong government to protest against failed licence bid for second night