Hong Kong’s largest pay TV operator i-Cable apologises over poor handling of lay-offs

Company also says no further firings or pay cuts coming for next two years

The broadcaster reassigned or let go 100 staff earlier this week, triggering resignation of entire China desk, half of middle management and 11 local reporters

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Senior news reporter Alex Sin Ching-fung (centre) leaves the i-Cable headquarters in Tsuen Wan after Tuesday’s sackings. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 7:38pm, 3 Dec 2020Updated: 7:38pm, 3 Dec 2020

Hong Kong’s largest pay television operator has admitted it poorly handled sacking of editorial staff and vowed no further lay-offs or pay cuts would be made for the next two years.

The promise by i-Cable on Thursday came two days after the broadcaster reassigned or fired 100 employees, including 40 members of the editorial department, in a bid to help the company survive the economic crunch caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move sparked an uproar, prompting the resignation of the entire China news desk, at least half of the editorial department’s middle management and 11 local reporters.

In a statement issued by the four heads of the news department, management apologised for how it dealt with the issue and for any offensive remarks made.

They said the company was under a great deal of financial pressure and they had done their best to minimise the impact of the restructuring.

Employees of i-Cable wave goodbye to colleagues let go this week. Photo: Felix Wong