HKTV may get worldwide audience but not in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Television Network shows could be available to TV viewers across the region as early as autumn, but possibly not in Hong Kong.

Forced to postpone its local launch date indefinitely, the station is hoping to sell its programmes to overseas buyers in the third quarter of the year following discussions at Filmart, the largest industry trade fair in Asia, now under way at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Shut out of the city's free-to-air market by a failure to get a licence and with questions hanging over its plan for a mobile service, HKTV is offering 15 drama serial titles in 208 episodes and four variety shows with 68 episodes.

Chief executive To Wai-bing said there had been strong interest from international buyers and HKTV was in the final discussions for the sales. She said some buyers had offered to pay more than they did for TVB shows.

"We hope our shows can be released simultaneously around the region," To said.

She said interest had come from traditional television stations as well as mainland Chinese web TV portals.