Rediffusion Television
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Radio Rediffusion |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Defunct | 1982-09-24 |
| Fate | Rebranded as Asia Television |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong |
| Products | Television broadcasting, radio broadcasting |
Rediffusion Television (, RTV) was a now-defunct television broadcaster based in Hong Kong, recognized as the first television service in the city as well as the earliest in any British colony or predominantly Chinese urban area. Originating as a radio broadcaster in 1949, it evolved into Asia Television on 24 September 1982.
History
Radio Rediffusion commenced operations in 1949, providing a wired radio service managed by the Rediffusion company. It gained popularity across Hong Kong, especially in tea shops, by offering a diverse lineup including theatrical plays, storytelling, musical concerts, and Cantonese opera. Notable figures associated with the station were broadcaster Li Ngaw and trailblazing DJ Uncle Ray. Its programming outshone rival Commercial Radio Hong Kong during this period.
On 29 May 1957, the station transformed into a subscription-based cable television service, marking it as the first TV station within a British colony and a city with a majority Chinese population. The channel broadcast four hours daily featuring both English and Chinese programs. The initial setup required an installation fee of HK$25, equipment rental at HK$45, and a monthly subscription priced at HK$36—costly relative to the average monthly income of HK$100 at that time. For those without subscriptions, tea shops functioned as communal spaces to watch broadcasts.
When competitor TVB initiated free-to-air television on 19 November 1967, RTV had amassed 67,000 subscribers. Following the granting of a free-to-air terrestrial license on 1 June 1973, the company rebranded as Rediffusion Television Limited (RTV) and ceased its cable transmissions. Ultimately, on 24 September 1982, it underwent another rebranding to become Asia Television (ATV).