Ever optimistic Asia Television executive Ip Ka-po believes the Hong Kong station will survive
Ip Ka-po has been at sharp end of controversy at the broadcaster, which some say is on its last legs. But the ATV veteran insists it will survive
It is every TV star's dream to become the poster boy of a television station. But for Ip Ka-po, being the face of the beleaguered Asia Television is nothing but a nightmare.
The executive director of ATV has become the reluctant star of the station's real-life drama since his appointment in March.
From shareholder disputes, court rivalry and criticism about programme repeats to penalties imposed by the media watchdog and delayed payment of staff salaries, Ip has been the man standing in front of the camera defending the station that he has served for more than two decades.
"It's not my wish that I have more exposure than our actors," said Ip, who has been making daily appearances in the news over the past weeks.
"ATV has reached the most critical moment over its 58-year history. I don't want to see our brand being ruined. I don't want ATV to lose its [free-TV] licence. I hope ATV will live ... We shall overcome. Victory will be in our hands."
From a high point when the station posed a real threat to dominant rival TVB in the 1980s to being on the verge of collapse today - cash-strapped, facing Labour Department prosecution over delayed salary payments and uncertainty over the renewal of its free TV licence, which expires in November - the 59-year-old Ip has witnessed the rise and fall of ATV throughout his television career.