Ricky Wong's TV License Battle

Ever since HKTV’s application for a free-to-air television license was rejected last October, its chairman Ricky Wong Wai-kay has continued his quest of entering the television market. According to the SCMP, he has spent over $1 billion on HKTV. The new twist involved the Office of the Communications Authority (Ofca) forbidding HKTV from operating a mobile TV service if its audience was over 5000 households – the only way HKTV could broadcast to more people was with a free or pay TV license under the Broadcasting Ordinance. The latter, of course, has been tried and failed.

 Ricky Wong has decided to challenge Ofca’s decision in court, calling it a “laughable and violent move” to obstruct HKTV’s path once again. HKTV had acquired China Mobile Hong Kong Corporation in December after its first stumble – which came with the corporation’s mobile television license. This license had been used successfully by China Mobile without intervention from Ofca or the government. No other explanation has been given by Ofca for this decision.

 It continues to be seen how the legal battle will unfold: will Ricky Wong succeed in undermining Ofca’s decision and be granted permission to debut HKTV? Or will the reasons for Ofca’s apprehension towards a new TV channel be revealed in court? One can only wait and see.