Embattled Asia Television's digital broadcasting platform will receive a facelift next month with the introduction of a Taiwan-style variety show channel for Hong Kong audiences.
Since Taiwan rice cracker tycoon Tsai Eng-meng took a stake in the loss-making broadcaster in February, he has wanted to establish a Greater China entertainment platform for his privately owned media assets such as CTI Television and China Television in Taiwan.
Mr Tsai's ambition will be realised next month when ATV consolidates its existing eight digital channels into five. One of the selling points will be the CTI Asia channel, which will provide a wider range of Taiwan real-time information and entertainment programmes such as the talk show Kang Xi Lai Le hosted by Cai Kang-yong and Dee Hsu.
The 24-Hour News Channel will be transformed into the HDATV Channel featuring 24-hour local, mainland and Taiwan news.
Along with the Chinese-language Home Channel, English-language World Channel and CCTV International Chinese Channel, a total of five channels will be available starting from April 1.
Industry watchdog the Broadcasting Authority has approved a reduction of ATV's commitment to digital terrestrial broadcasting to HK$177.5 million, from HK$200 million. The company will gradually increase the number of hours of high-definition broadcasting to 38.5 hours per week from 24.5 hours.