Fly the Hong Kong flag, say new TV operators as competition hots up
Representatives of ViuTV, LeEco and Hong Kong Television Network highlight importance of local content showcasing Hong Kong identity and values
Local content showcasing Hong Kong identity and values was key to the success of television in the city, new TV players told a forum organised by Commercial Radio on Monday.
The heads of new free television operator ViuTV, mainland internet content provider LeEco and Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV) stressed that locally produced content catering to a Hong Kong audience was important and the city’s market could sustain more new players.
READ MORE: Fact before fiction: New Hong Kong TV station ViuTV to focus on ‘factual entertainment’ instead of dramas
LeEco’s Asia-Pacific chief executive, Mok Chui-tin, said although the internet-based over-the-top (OTT) network provider was a mainland company, it waved the local flag and pledged to influence mainland audiences with Hong Kong content.
“We need to understand why our TV industry is so dire today. The problem is the content. Current TV licensees should focus on producing local content,” Mok said.
Mok said LeEco is launching a HK$20 million campaign to recruit talented local scriptwriters able to come up with creative scripts.
“There is no restriction to the subject and format. There will be no political censorship,” he said. “As long as it’s creative and it fits our online content platform, we accept the submission. The judging panel will decide the winner.”