Hong Kong’s television stations are facing declining earnings and are turning to mainland Chinese-related content to attract advertising dollars from China, which could further alienate the city’s viewers.
The erosion of press and civil society freedoms in Hong Kong, due to the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in 2020 and the recent enactment of the second national security law, has led viewers to turn away from the TV stations’ self-censored news content, impacting their credibility.
i-Cable Communications, which operates the Cable News station known for its insights on China, reported net losses of HK$589.2 million (US$76.3 million) in 2023, despite narrowing its scale.
In collaboration with the Hong Kong government, the company is working on programs to foster a better understanding of the government among a public increasingly distrustful after the 2019 protests and crackdown on democratic figures.
Collaborations with Guangdong Radio and Television Station are underway to produce programs targeting new viewers in the Greater Bay Area, integrating Hong Kong into mainland China.
Cable News’s public credibility took a hit at the end of 2020 after firing several journalists, including its top investigative reporters covering China news.
Morale and credibility have not recovered, with a high turnover rate in the news department and difficulty in recruiting journalists.
Reporters now rely on Chinese social media platforms for story ideas on China news, as reporting risks in Hong Kong have increased following the passage of Article 23.
Survival of the biggest
Cable News, once a key channel for subscribers, has shifted to i-Cable’s free HOY Information Channel, as viewers seek more balanced content outside traditional broadcasters.
Television Broadcasts (TVB) also reported losses, banking on the Greater Bay Area market for increased viewership.
According to a former journalism professor, TV stations losing credibility for news coverage rely more on mainland advertisers for profit.
The rapid passage of Article 23 has increased uncertainties and fear among local media, leading to self-censorship and reduced reporting.
TVB’s channels Jade and Pearl have expanded into the Greater Bay Area, gaining advertising rights and revenue in Guangdong province, giving them an advantage.
Translated with additional reporting by RFA Staff. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.