Embattled pay TV operator i-Cable makes another attempt to turn around a decade of losses with Guangdong network tie-up
- Analysts remain sceptical of Hong Kong pay TV operator’s latest attempt to return to profitability
- i-Cable will make TV shows with its Chinese partner relating viewers in the Greater Bay Area
I-Cable Communications, Hong Kong’s biggest pay TV operator, on Tuesday formalised a partnership with Guangdong Radio and Television (GRT) that will allow it to air programmes to the Chinese TV group’s customers.
But analysts are circumspect about the benefits of the tie-up on i-Cable’s bottom line, saying it is unlikely to yield any long-term “material” benefit.
Irene Leung Shuk-yee, chief operating officer of i-Cable, said that the deal with GRT also involves joint production of TV shows, exchange of programmes and forming a new media platform.
“The shows will pertain to the Greater Bay Area such as lifestyle and finance,” Leung said at an event attended by officials from the central government’s Liaison Office.
GRT is one of the biggest cable television stations in China, broadcasting to more than 50 countries, reaching an audience of over 2 billion.