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Asia Television

From Alfawiki
Asia Television Limited
Company typePrivate
IndustryDigital media, Broadcasting
PredecessorRediffusion Television
FoundedMay 29, 1957; 69 years ago (1957-05-29) in Hong Kong
FateTerrestrial broadcast license not renewed; shifted to digital and satellite platforms
Headquarters
Hong Kong
,
Hong Kong
Area served
Hong Kong
Key people
Wang Zheng (former management)
ProductsTelevision broadcasting (ATV Home, ATV World), digital streaming services

Asia Television Limited (, commonly referred to as ATV) is a digital media and broadcasting enterprise based in Hong Kong. Established on 29 May 1957 as Rediffusion Television (), it was Hong Kong's inaugural television service. The company transitioned to terrestrial television broadcasting in 1973 and adopted the Asia Television (ATV) brand in 1982. ATV managed two primary terrestrial channels: the Cantonese-language ATV Home and the English-language ATV World.

Though ATV maintained a modest share of the market, it garnered acclaim for its programming lineup. One of its notable achievements was the 2001 local rendition of the British quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, which significantly increased audience engagement. Nevertheless, post-2000, ATV faced a decline in production standards, viewer ratings, and financial health—problems that worsened under Wang Zheng's management. The station's credibility was notably damaged in 2011 due to an erroneous news report concerning the death of Jiang Zemin.

On 1 April 2015, the Executive Council declared it would not extend ATV’s broadcast license. As a result, ATV discontinued its over-the-air broadcasts on 1 April 2016. Subsequently, the company redirected its efforts toward digital and satellite platforms, launching subscription-based internet streaming services in December 2017.

1949–1981: formative period

Before becoming ATV, Rediffusion Television (RTV) operated initially as a wired radio broadcaster starting in 1949. Its first office was situated at the intersection of Arsenal Street and Hennessy Road in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. RTV commenced its subscription television service on 29 May 1957 and moved to the Fortis Bank Tower premises in 1959.

In 1962, Rediffusion presented Hong Kong’s inaugural televised fundraising event following Typhoon Wanda, which inflicted severe damage and casualties. The company also pioneered televised artist training with the program "Ying Li's voice" launched in 1966.

By October 1968, Rediffusion diversified its content to include variety entertainment, sports coverage, and leisure programming, attracting a broader audience. Popular shows such as "Master Q" emerged during this era alongside early acquisitions of Japanese animation like Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy in 1966.

The year 1973 marked Rediffusion’s receipt of a free-to-air television license from the Hong Kong Government amidst a shift toward wireless TV broadcasting. Together with TVB, which started in 1967, Rediffusion (later renamed ATV) dominated Hong Kong’s terrestrial free-to-air TV sector for over forty years. A third broadcaster, Commercial Television, operated from 1975 until it ceased transmission in 1978 due to fierce competition.

In 1976, the government launched the Mark Six lottery system, broadcast twice weekly on Rediffusion with Ha Chun-Chau (夏春秋) as its initial host.

1981–2002: expansion and ownership changes

In 1981, UK-based Rediffusion divested 61% of its RTV shares to an Australian investment group. By July 1982, ownership shifted again when the Chinese Far East Group—controlled by the Chiu family—acquired a half stake alongside the Australian consortium, marking RTV’s first Chinese majority involvement. That same year saw the rebranding of RTV to Asia Television. Due to persistent financial losses, the Australian group exited in January 1984, leaving full ownership to the Chiu family.

ATV shares were offered for sale in August 1987. By 1988, ownership was split evenly among Asia Television Limited, the Lim family led by Lim Por-yen, and New World Group. The board comprised Deacon Chiu, Lim Por-yen, Fang Li, and Cheng Yu-tung.

On 30 January 1989, the Chiu family sold their ATV holdings to New World Group and Lai Sun Group for HK$237.5 million. New World acquired a 50% stake; the Lam family held approximately one-third; Lai Sun owned one-sixth; and STDM became a minority shareholder. Cheng Yue-tung assumed chairmanship while Lim Por Yen was appointed vice-chairman and Selina Chow took on administrative director responsibilities.

2002–2010: change in ownership

In November 2002, Lai Sun Development, burdened by significant debt, divested its 32.75% shareholding in ATV to CEO Chan Wing-kee for HK$360 million in cash.

By June 2007, Chan partnered with Phoenix Satellite Television’s Liu Changle to establish a company that acquired the majority of ATV’s shares. Chan assumed the role of Administrative Director General and spearheaded reforms across production, marketing, and human resources. The station expanded its acquisition of international programs, notably including the South Korean series Autumn in My Heart.

In December 2008, Ricky Wong Wai Kay, chairman of City Telecom, was appointed CEO alongside Linus Cheung Wing-lam as executive chairman. However, Wong resigned within a fortnight due to a combination of challenges.

Early in 2009, Taiwanese billionaire Tsai Eng-Meng entered a preliminary agreement to become a principal shareholder of Alnery, which holds 47.58% of ATV’s shares. Tsai pledged HK$1 billion through convertible bonds. Subsequently, disagreements arose between Tsai and Payson Cha regarding control over the station.

2010–2015: period of decline

Hong Kong broadcaster TVB maintained overwhelming dominance in viewership ratings, commanding between 90% and 95% of the audience. This dominance influenced ATV’s transition from pay television to terrestrial broadcasting. Although ATV’s licence was renewed in December 2004 for an additional 12 years with stipulations to offer bilingual subtitles and enhance cultural programming, ATV Home experienced a significant drop in viewership. Its focus on mainland Chinese audiences caused ratings in the Pearl River Delta region to plummet from approximately 70% in the late 1990s to just 2–3%, drawing criticism for content that appeared outdated and disconnected from Hong Kong viewers’ interests.

In 2010, Chinese real estate entrepreneur Wang Zheng effectively took control of ATV via his relative Wong Ben Koon, who acquired a 52% stake by circumventing Hong Kong’s restrictions on non-resident ownership. Wang aimed to reposition ATV as "Asia's CNN" and "Hong Kong's conscience," shifting programming emphasis from drama series toward talk shows. This strategy led to further erosion of both audience numbers and advertiser confidence.

On 6 July 2011, ATV News incorrectly announced the death of former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin; Wang was suspected to be behind this misinformation. The Communications Authority subsequently imposed a HK$1.3 million fine on ATV for false reporting and improper managerial interference. Amid growing controversy, Wang’s cousin James Shing Pan-yu resigned as executive director. ATV also encountered public criticism over perceived biased news coverage and political activism opposing new free-to-air licences.

By June 2013, transport firm Hop Chung initiated legal action against ATV over unpaid invoices totaling HK$900,000 amid ongoing financial difficulties that management denied. In 2014, a court held Wang accountable for ATV’s operational failures and appointed Deloitte to seek a white knight investor for Wong Ben Koon’s controlling shares.

ATV repeatedly failed to pay employee wages on time; by December 2014 it pledged partial payment for September salaries but postponed full settlements. Early 2015 saw persistent salary arrears leading to staff layoffs and Labour Department investigations into unpaid wages from July through September. In a contentious decision, December salaries were advanced only if employees signed loan agreements linked to major shareholder Wong Ben Koon, highlighting severe cash flow problems.

2015–2017: licence revocation

On 31 March 2015, ATV revealed that its principal shareholders had consented to transfer their shares to Ricky Wong's Hong Kong Television Network, which had pivoted from an unsuccessful free-to-air application to focusing on internet-based television services. Wong refuted the existence of any such agreement, while legislators speculated that the announcement was intended to mislead the Executive Council regarding ATV's financial condition.

The following day, 1 April 2015, the Executive Council opted against renewing ATV's broadcast licence, citing inadequate performance and concerns over the station’s financial viability to continue operations. The licence was temporarily extended until 1 April 2016, after which ATV was required to halt broadcasting. Concurrently, the government granted a new terrestrial licence to HK Television Entertainment and permitted RTHK to utilize ATV’s analogue frequency for an expanded Channel 31 service.

By 7 February 2016, more than 200 staff members had resigned, compelling ATV to suspend its news broadcasts due to insufficient personnel. The Communications Authority issued warnings of potential fines for breaching licence conditions mandating daily news programming. On 22 February, it announced a 30-day suspension effective from April 2016 for violations related to news content and unpaid licensing fees, underscoring accountability despite the imminent licence expiry.

On 24 February 2016, the High Court appointed Deloitte as provisional liquidator over ATV’s assets. Deloitte declared on 29 February that all employees would be dismissed as part of the liquidation process. By 3 March, Deloitte intended to expedite the cessation of operations; however, RTHK was not prepared to assume control of the analogue spectrum until 10 March.

On 7 March, China Cultural Media Group injected capital into ATV, covering outstanding salaries and operational expenses through March. This enabled the re-engagement of approximately 160 employees to sustain interim functions. Payment of arrears was scheduled by 2 April. ATV explored alternative distribution methods for its content following the shutdown, including online platforms.

Last broadcast day

ATV Home’s final program consisted of a rerun celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Miss Asia Pageant. Although a public relations manager suggested plans for an additional edition before closure, former producer Wingo Ng indicated that financial constraints and staffing shortages rendered production unfeasible.

ATV's channels ceased transmission shortly before midnight on 1 April 2016. Subsequently, RTHK TV 31 and TV33 (CGTN Documentary) commenced broadcasts on ATV’s former analogue channels, while HKTVE initiated a soft launch of its digital channel, ViuTV, ahead of its official launch on 6 April.

Resolution of debts

Following the termination of free-to-air broadcasts, ATV Investor Secretary Rong Rongbin pledged shares in Star Platinum Corporation (which owns 99% of ATV) to secure HK$300 million in loans from Xiesheng Xiefeng but failed to meet repayment obligations. In July 2016, this creditor obtained full ownership of Star Platinum. After this acquisition, approximately HK$35 million in overdue wages owed to 640 former employees and HK$18 million from the Insolvency Fund were fully settled.

2017–present: initiatives following licence revocation

In December 2017, ATV redirected its efforts towards online content delivery, launching a mobile application and over-the-top (OTT) services to distribute programming digitally rather than through traditional terrestrial broadcast. This new platform introduced fresh shows, including a revival of Baak Maan Fu Yung—the local adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?—with former TVB general manager Stephan Chan as host. The app also provided viewers with access to ATV’s original series and documentaries, managed by its affiliate, Asia Television Digital Media Limited.

By June 2018, ATV brought back the Miss Asia Pageant after a three-year pause, collaborating with South Korean company CJ E&M in what was considered "ATV's largest financial commitment of the year."

In 2020, under CEO Bizhan Tong, ATV partnered with UK-based Phoenix Waters Productions to rejuvenate its drama production and create films, series, and variety programs. Among these projects was the international thriller Lockdown (2021), filmed worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and featuring actors such as John Savage, Xander Berkeley, and Anita Chui. The following year saw the establishment of AMM Global Media with Tong as executive director, consolidating 19 creative ventures including Lockdown to appeal to global entertainment markets.

On 7 September 2022, the Hong Kong High Court mandated the liquidation of Asia Television Digital Media. ATV clarified that this order applied solely to that subsidiary; Asia Television Holdings and its subsidiary Asia Momentum Media remained operational and continued producing content.

Location

On 21 July 2007, ATV moved from its longtime base at 81 Broadcast Drive, Kowloon Tong, to a more spacious facility in Tai Po. The original premises were demolished between 2008 and 2009 and replaced by the Meridian Hill residential development.

The Tai Po production site covers , which is triple the area of the former Broadcast Drive location. It includes four studios dedicated to news, eight studios for variety and drama productions, and cutting-edge digital broadcasting equipment. The largest studio occupies . This new headquarters stands on land previously occupied by Lee Kum Kee's Hong Kong headquarters and manufacturing plant.

News operation

ATV News produced daily broadcasts in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English across its Home, World, and News & Business channels. International news was supplemented through partnerships with CNN and CBS. The broadcaster maintained an editorial line supportive of Beijing policies.

Programming

ATV’s programming lineup was diverse, spanning news, infotainment, dramas, and variety shows. To meet audience demand, it acquired popular television dramas from South Korea and Mainland China for prime-time viewing.

Channels

Until 2 April 2016, ATV operated six channels: the Cantonese-language 24-hour ATV Home; the English-language 24-hour ATV World; ATV Overseas, a Cantonese satellite channel available in North America; and three digital terrestrial channels: ATV Asia, a high-definition channel broadcasting around the clock; along with CCTV-1, the general channel of China Central Television.

Before 1 April 2009, additional DMB-T/H digital channels included: News & Business, dedicated to continuous news and financial content; His TV, focusing on sports and infotainment for male viewers; Her TV, lifestyle programming targeting female audiences; Plus TV, featuring documentaries; and HDTV, offering high-definition content.

Area Served 29 May 1957 30 Sept. 1963 4 Jan. 2002 31 Dec. 2007 1 Apr. 2009 1 Oct. 2009 1 Dec. 2010 1 Mar. 2011 1 Apr. 2011 1 Oct. 2012 31 Dec. 2012 2 April 2016
Local (Hong Kong) Rediffusion Television RTV Chinese → renamed RTV1 in 1967 → became aTV Chinese in 1982 → changed to aTV Gold in 1987 → known as aTV Home from 1989 onwards (later retitled aTV1 before April 2009 following digital TV launch on channel 11 by December 2007).
RTV English → renamed RTV2 in 1967 → became aTV English in 1982 → changed to aTV Diamond in 1987 → known as aTV World since 1989 (later retitled aTV6 before April 2009 after digital TV launch on channel 16).
Digital channel 12: aTV2[n 1] Digital channel 12: renamed from HD aTV to ATV Asia on 2 May 2011.
Digital channel 19: aTV9 HDTV
Digital channel 13: aTV3 His TV Digital channel 13: broadcasted as TVS2* Digital channel 13: aired as aTV Classic
Digital channel 14: aTV4 Her TV Digital channel 14: carried as CTi Asia
Digital channel 15: aTV5 Plus TV Digital channel 15: aired as CCTV4 Digital channel 15: broadcasted as CCTV1
Digital channel 17: aired as CCTV4 Digital channel 17: carried Shenzhen Media Group's SZTV
Americas Broadcasted as 'aTV Home (America)', later renamed 'aTV Overseas' on 20 January 2016 'Ceased transmission at 1:00 PM on 1 April 2016; Rogers Cable discontinued channel on 2 May 2016.'
  1. ↑ aTV2 News & Business Channel

Programming on ATV Home

ATV produced numerous memorable television dramas such as Super Stuntman (獅王之王), Crocodile Tears (鱷魚淚), My Date with a Vampire, Fatherland (大地恩情), Vampire Hero (殭屍英雄), The Legend, My Date with a Vampire 2, The Legendary Fok, My Date with a Vampire 3, Central Affairs I and II (情陷夜中環), Vampire Expert II, and Reincarnated. Popular productions from the 1990s include The Pride of Chaozhou, Who is the Winner? (勝者為王), King of the Gambler (千王之王重出江湖), and The Good Old Days.

During the early 2000s, ATV hosted prominent award ceremonies such as The Annual Most Popular TV Commercial Awards (十大電視廣告頒獎禮). Infotainment shows like Stories From Afar (尋找他鄉的故事) garnered significant public praise, winning accolades including the Appreciation Index Survey Best Television Awards.

Entertainment news program Hong Kong Today (今日睇真D) along with the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? achieved notable popularity, prompting rival broadcaster TVB to develop similar formats.

ATV also aired the British sci-fi series Doctor Who. Notably in 1991, it returned a copy of The Tomb of the Cybermen to the BBC, after many episodes had been lost due to wiping practices in the 1970s.

Programming on ATV World

As one of Hong Kong’s two English-language channels, ATV World primarily featured American television content including serial dramas, movies, documentaries, and educational programs. Signature shows included Ally McBeal, Survivor, Smallville, multiple entries in the CSI franchise, Grey's Anatomy, and Doctor Who. By around 2009, it discontinued airing the talk show Late Show with David Letterman, despite viewer campaigns for its return. The channel also offered arts programming and local sports coverage such as horse racing from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mandarin- and Korean-language programs were scheduled during off-peak hours.

The main English-language news broadcast was the "Main News and Weather Report at 7:30," produced by ATV News. Due to its relatively small English-speaking audience within predominantly Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong, advertising revenue was limited; consequently ATV World was financially supported by ATV Home. Facing competition from TVB Pearl, ATV World shifted its programming emphasis away from dramas and films towards documentaries and natural history content. Films formerly shown on Saturdays were typically rescheduled for Monday evenings before airing of The Late News.

Asia Television Training Institute

The established Asia Television Training Institute aimed to equip individuals for careers in television through four departments focusing on production techniques, artistic skills, talent development, and technical operations. Graduates frequently secured employment opportunities within ATV.

Artist contracts and mobility

Similar to TVB’s approach, ATV employed an exclusive contract system where artists were signed directly by the station acting both as employer and booking agent. These contracts restricted performers exclusively to station productions while providing a base salary plus appearance fees per project or event. The station controlled artists’ external appearances including endorsements and advertisements—often retaining a portion of earnings—and could sideline those who resisted assigned roles through a practice known colloquially as being "put on ice" (被雪 or 雪藏). This meant withholding work assignments beyond minimal pay until contract expiration effectively stalled careers.

Due to typecasting tendencies at TVB, some actors transferred to ATV seeking more varied roles despite potentially sacrificing broader recognition given TVB’s market dominance. Leading roles typically remained with established TVB stars; however some performers moved between stations after contracts ended or for better remuneration at ATV. Such talent shifts occasionally forced TVB to modify or cancel planned productions. Movement was more common from TVB toward ATV than vice versa.

Following closure of ATV’s drama department and diminished production output, many former ATV actors lost internal employment opportunities and pursued roles elsewhere.

Former notable personalities

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Hitler advertisement incident

In a widely criticized move in1994, ATV published a two-page advertisement within the South China Morning Post,’’ promoting advertising opportunities by featuring an entire page displaying an image of Adolf Hitler surrounded by members of the Hitler Youth organization. The ad implied that had Hitler advertised on ATV he would have "secured total domination," depicting them performing the Nazi salute stretching geographically "from Shanghai to Guangzhou," while inviting advertisers to contact them before deciding upon their "final solution."

This advertisement drew sharp rebuke from various quarters including Hong Kong’s German Consul-General who labeled it "extremely tasteless" for causing offense among victims of totalitarian regimes and fascism alike. Similarly harsh criticism came from Israel’s Consul-General describing it as "outrageous and unbelievable." The United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong condemned it as "disgusting," considering it deeply insulting toward those who suffered under Hitler’s regime.

Pro-Beijing Perspective

ATV's news broadcasts frequently attracted criticism for exhibiting a pro-Beijing inclination, often depicting Hong Kong's pro-democracy groups in an unfavorable light. Its current affairs talk programs regularly included pro-Beijing supporters who commended PRC policies while criticizing pro-democracy parties, particularly during protest events. Although guests representing pro-democracy viewpoints occasionally appeared, the overall narrative leaned towards favoring pro-Beijing positions. Similarly, TVB was reproached for maintaining a "pro-establishment" editorial line. Media outlets with business ties to mainland China commonly practice self-censorship. The 2006 transition in ATV’s ownership intensified apprehensions regarding a surge in pro-Beijing partiality.

For example, ATV gave prominence to pro-Beijing counter-demonstrations over the pro-democracy 1 July marches in its leading news segments, simultaneously minimizing the significance of the marches’ messages. In September 2012, ATV provoked public backlash by airing a report that characterized critics of Hong Kong’s pro-CCP "National Education" curriculum as "destructive forces" allegedly supported by London and Washington with the intent to "undermine Hong Kong." The student activist group Scholarism was belittled as "naive teenagers" manipulated by politicians and endangering their own futures through political engagement.

See also

External links

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