Letters | Tokyo Olympics: three cheers for the Hong Kong government’s broadcast rights deal

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s Olympics success, the need for the city to use postcodes, and whether firing unvaccinated employees is the right way to go

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People watch track cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze in Olympic action at APM mall in Kwun Tong. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:05am, 10 Aug 2021Updated: 7:05am, 10 Aug 2021

It is icing on the cake to see how well Hong Kong competitors have fared in the Olympic Games (“Hong Kong’s greatest Games ever brings joy unmatched to city and its athletes”, August 9). Many congratulations! The people of Hong Kong are very proud of them.

The other aspect of Hong Kong’s success that I wish to mention is the goodwill generated by the government’s decision to buy the broadcast rights for the first, and I hope not the last, time. This was after commercial operators balked at screening the games.

However, the government’s foresight and generosity has provided all of us with an immense amount of pleasure. Everybody I have recently spoken to has made glowing reports of the games, and this wouldn’t have happened without the marvellous television coverage.

Despite their reluctance to buy the rights initially, I would also like to give my thanks to Now TV. They really rose to the occasion by providing nine channels daily showing a myriad of events with expert commentary, without, I must emphasise, any adverts at all. I only have plaudits for their transmission. If they wanted to make friends, they certainly have.

Can’t wait for Paris, although the time difference will no doubt spoil some of the enjoyment. We have been so lucky!

Chris Stubbs, Discovery Bay