The Government has defended Hong Kong's refusal to offer incentives to lure satellite broadcasters after a channel moved to Singapore. Documentary film network Discovery Channel moved its regional headquarters there last month. Singapore, which does not apply its tight media controls on operators beaming signals overseas, is competing with Hong Kong to become the region's broadcasting hub. Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Brian Chau Tak-hay said companies took many factors into account when deciding on headquarters. 'It is clear the Singapore Government offers conditions which Hong Kong is not prepared to consider.' 'They offer tax holidays and other benefits. We, as a free and open economy, will not follow suit.' Kevin-John McIntyre, senior vice-president of Discovery Inc, said the move was not related to the handover. The move was to consolidate and improve management of the network. Discovery is only aired part-time on Wharf Cable here with eight hours a week on the Horizons channel but has a full channel on a Singapore cable network. Mr McIntyre said the company had wanted to get a full channel on Wharf but had not reached an agreement in four years. Cable TV spokesman Garmen Chan Ka-yiu said this was not possible because of a 20-channel limit.