HKTV legal action is the 'right approach' says i-Cable chief

The head of i-Cable Communications said he empathised with Hong Kong Television chief Ricky Wong Wai-kay's quest for a judicial review over the government's decision to reject his bid for a free-to-air television licence.

But Stephen Ng Tin-hoi said yesterday he hoped the legal matters would not affect the government's processing of new licences granted in principle earlier this month to his company's Fantastic TV. Another licence was granted to PCCW's HK Television Entertainment Company.

"I hope legal proceedings will not slow down the [licensing] proceedings. Hong Kong people have been waiting for so long already," said Ng speaking to media for the first time since the government's decision to issue new free-to-air licences to just two of the three applicants.

Wong's HKTV was the only station denied a licence on October 15, sparking a public outcry and more than a week of protests.

Commerce secretary Greg So Kam-leung said the Executive Council had deliberated and the market could only support two more free-to-air channels.

Ng said seeking a judicial review was the "right approach under the circumstances" for Wong.