Nail in the coffin: Hong Kong government seeks HK$1.5m from beleaguered ATV
The administration says it is owed money for outstanding rent and licence fees
Beleaguered Asia Television is being pushed one step further over the edge as the government is suing the station for more than HK$1.5 million in unpaid rent and licence fees, a High Court writ shows.
The court document, filed on Wednesday, says the station, which has been facing problems staying afloat, owes the government outstanding rent and facility charges amounting to HK$1,063,246.
READ MORE: No staff, no news at dying Hong Kong broadcaster ATV
The station also owes the government HK$360,180 in licence fees, according to the writ.
The Secretary for Justice, acting on the instruction of the Government Property Administrator, is now seeking the sum plus interest.
The writ says the amount involved totals at least HK$1,573,820.
Major ATV creditor Wong Ching has filed an order with the High Court to liquidate the broadcaster.
Yesterday, ATV spokesman Jeff Wong Sau-tung said: “At this stage, the priority goes to paying our staff.”