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TVB

From Alfawiki
Television Broadcasts Limited
Company typePrivate
IndustryTelevision broadcasting
PredecessorWireless Television
FoundedJuly 26, 1965; 61 years ago (1965-07-26) in Hong Kong
FounderSir Run Run Shaw, Sir Douglas Clague, Harold Lee Hsiao-wo
Headquarters
Tseung Kwan O
,
Hong Kong
Area served
Hong Kong, Australia, Europe (via TVB Australia and TVBS-Europe)
Key people
Sir Run Run Shaw (Chairman 1980–2012)
ProductsFree-to-air terrestrial television channels (TVB Jade, TVB Pearl), TVB Network Vision platform, TVB Australia, TVBS-Europe
Websitewww.tvb.com

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB; ) is a television broadcasting corporation based in Hong Kong that operates five free-to-air terrestrial channels. Its flagship Cantonese channel is TVB Jade, while TVB Pearl serves as the main English-language channel. The company’s central offices are situated at TVB City within the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate.

Established on 26 July 1965, TVB began its broadcasting services on 19 November 1967. The company was co-founded by Sir Run Run Shaw, who held the chairman position from 1980 until 2012, together with Sir Douglas Clague and Harold Lee Hsiao-wo from the Lee Hysan family. Originally branded as "Wireless Television" () to differentiate it from the subscription-based cable broadcaster Rediffusion Television (which later became ATV), TVB continues to be commonly known by this name even after ATV transitioned to free-to-air transmission.

TVB has gained widespread recognition for its production of Hong Kong television dramas and organizes significant events such as the Miss Hong Kong and Miss Chinese International beauty contests. Historically, it has maintained a dominant position as Hong Kong’s premier television broadcaster.

Origins

During the early 1960s, the Hong Kong government considered creating a second television station to supplement the existing wired subscription service, Rediffusion Television. Discussions revolved around whether this new outlet should function as a Crown entity similar to the BBC, operate commercially, or adopt a hybrid model. A major hurdle was securing enough Chinese-language programming, as most content needed to be locally produced despite Hong Kong’s established film sector.

Commercial interests prompted the government to initiate a franchise tender for a free-to-air television station, which opened in February 1965 and closed in August of the same year. On 25 January 1966, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) was granted this franchise.

Opening

TVB commenced operations at its original location on 77 Broadcast Drive, Kowloon Tong, with an official inauguration by Governor David Trench on 19 November 1967. The governor emphasized television’s importance in educating and informing the public.

The station’s inaugural broadcast was a live coverage of the Macau Grand Prix, followed by its first colour program titled "London Calling Hongkong," which included messages from former governors Alexander Grantham and Robert Black, along with a piano performance by Chiu Yee-ha.

At launch, TVB offered two channels: Cantonese-language TVB Jade on Channel 21 at 4:30 pm and English-language TVB Pearl on Channel 25 at 6:00 pm. Early programming featured the Cantonese variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight and the English current affairs show Meet The Press.

Infrastructure development

Hong Kong’s rugged terrain posed challenges for TVB as it became the territory’s first wireless television station utilizing terrestrial transmitters instead of coaxial cables. To achieve comprehensive coverage, a series of transmitters were installed atop various mountain locations. The primary transmitter at Temple Hill served Kowloon, major urban districts, and parts of the New Territories. On 15 May 1968, two relay stations commenced operation: one on Lamma Island extended coverage to Pok Fu Lam, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, and Stanley; another at Castle Peak provided service to Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Ping Shan.

A third booster station located on Cloudy Hill, activated in June 1968, expanded broadcast reception to Fanling, Taipo, and Sheung Shui.

Development

  • TVB's programming attracts a wide audience, notably middle-class viewers, as demonstrated by the 2004 historical drama War and Beauty. Its schedule includes soap operas, variety programs, and widely enjoyed entertainment shows.
  • The broadcaster has encountered criticism for signing exclusive contracts with local stars that limit their participation on rival platforms such as Hong Kong Cable Television, which has accused TVB of unfair competition practices. Nonetheless, numerous performers maintain non-exclusive agreements, enabling collaborations with other networks or production companies.
  • TVB's annual Music Awards hold significant influence within the Cantopop scene. Following accusations of manipulation in award outcomes, an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption cleared three employees of wrongdoing. In response, TVB revamped its music-related content to enhance transparency and trust.
  • In 2001, TVB was honored with the National Association of Broadcasters' International Broadcasting Excellence Award in recognition of its impactful charitable work, marking Hong Kong as the first Asian city to receive this distinction.
  • Collaborating with the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2005, TVB spearheaded its largest fundraising initiative to support tsunami relief efforts in South-East Asia, successfully raising over one hundred million Hong Kong Dollars.
  • Expanding its global footprint, TVB launched TVB Australia in 2000, providing a 17-channel satellite package (comprising 14 Chinese and 3 Vietnamese channels) that reached more than 25,000 homes and 1,500 commercial venues with a daily viewership surpassing 130,000.
  • On March 31, 2008, TVBS-Europe introduced a "Multi-channel" offering consisting of five channels: the original TVBS-Europe Channel alongside TVBN, TVB Entertainment News, TVB Classic, and TVB Lifestyle.

Location

Initially headquartered on Broadcast Drive in Kowloon Tong, near RTHK and ATV, TVB outgrew this facility by the late 1980s. In November 1988, it inaugurated a new studio complex named T.V. City at 220 Clear Water Bay Road. This original TVB City occupied the former Shaw Movie Town site utilized by Shaw Brothers since 1958. The Broadcast Drive premises were later redeveloped into residential apartments, while the initial TVB City location is currently home to Celestial Pictures.

To accommodate growth, TVB planned a new headquarters in 1998 at the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. The HK$2.2 billion TVB City commenced full operations in October 2003. This facility represents the largest land lease ever granted by the Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation and stands as the first service enterprise within the estate. Covering over 110,000 square metres—30% larger than Clear Water Bay—the complex includes Studio 1 with seating for 630 attendees, making it Asia's largest commercial television production studio.

News operation

TVB produces multiple news broadcasts including News at 6:30 on Jade and News at 7:30 on Pearl. It also operates dedicated news channels TVBN and TVBN2 through its TVB Network Vision platform.

Notable shows from TVB

  • Enjoy Yourself Tonight (1967–1994), a long-standing variety program often compared to Saturday Night Live.
  • The Bund (1980), featuring Chow Yun-fat, achieved pan-Asian popularity and inspired several remakes.
  • The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1983), a highly rated adaptation of Louis Cha’s wuxia novel starring Felix Wong and Barbara Yung.
  • The Return of the Condor Heroes (1983), sequel starring Andy Lau and Idy Chan.
  • Looking Back in Anger (1989), a tragic drama featuring Felix Wong, Deric Wan, and Carina Lau, widely watched across Greater China.
  • The Greed of Man (1992), starring Adam Cheng, known for influencing global stock markets through the "Ting Hai effect."
  • File of Justice series (1992–1997), a legal drama spanning five seasons comparable to American series like Law & Order.
  • A Kindred Spirit (1995–1999), ranked as Hong Kong’s second longest-running drama series.
  • Super Trio Series (1995–2023), a popular variety game show.
  • Journey to the West (1996), one of few programs dubbed into English for rebroadcast on TVB Pearl.
  • Old Time Buddy (1997), a comedy-drama satirizing Hong Kong’s film industry during the 1960s; it won "Best Drama" at the first-ever TVB Anniversary Awards.
  • Secret of the Heart (1998), credited with popularizing love triangles in serial dramas.
  • Armed Reaction series (1998–2004), crime drama addressing gender discrimination within police ranks; extended across five seasons with latest installment in 2021.
  • Healing Hands series (1998–2005), medical dramas praised for realism; first season earned "Best Drama" in 1998.
  • At the Threshold of an Era (1999–2000), an epic ensemble drama; second most costly production by TVB to date.
  • War of the Genders (2000), critically acclaimed sitcom starring Carol Cheng, held highest ratings until 2005; Cheng received "Best Actress."
  • Virtues of Harmony (2001–2005), among Hong Kong’s longest-running sitcoms with two seasons including a contemporary spin-off.
  • Square Pegs (2003), starring Roger Kwok, depicting life with intellectual disability; achieved highest average viewership rating at 37 points; Kwok won two "Best Actor" awards.
  • Triumph in the Skies (2003) and sequel (2013), centered on airline employees at fictional Solar Airways; adapted into a feature film.
  • War and Beauty (2004), costume drama focusing on concubines during the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor, credited with popularizing palace harem narratives.
  • Moonlight Resonance (2008) and related series Heart of Greed, reached peak ratings around 50 points—among highest ever in Hong Kong television history.
  • EU (2009), third installment of The Academy, featuring Michael Tse’s character Laughing Gor; spawned films and sequels.
  • Rosy Business (2009), award-winning costume drama that dominated that year’s TVB Anniversary Awards.
  • Beyond the Realm of Conscience (2009), period costume drama peaking at ratings near 50 points.
  • When Heaven Burns (2011), recipient of "Best Drama" at 2012 awards; critically praised but low-rated partly due to mainland China censorship over sensitive themes.
  • Line Walker (2014), crime thriller followed by two films and additional prequel/sequel series; most-watched Hong Kong drama in mainland China with over two billion views on Youku; inspired associated game show.
  • A Fist Within Four Walls (2016), martial arts drama set in Kowloon Walled City; earned major accolades including Best Drama, Best Actor, and Best Actress awards.
  • Come Home Love: Lo and Behold (2017), enduring family drama with strong audience figures leading to daily prime-time broadcasts from 2020 onward.
  • Legal Mavericks (2017), swept awards at the TVB Starhub ceremony.
  • The Queen of News (2023), crowned overall ratings champion drama for that year.

Corruption investigation

On 11 March 2010, general manager Stephen Chan Chi Wan along with four other individuals were detained by the ICAC on allegations of corruption. TVB acknowledged that three staff members were implicated and immediately suspended their responsibilities pending the outcome of the inquiry. In September 2010, formal charges were filed against Stephen Chan, though TVB refrained from issuing any statements. Ultimately, in September 2011, a court acquitted him and his co-defendants.

Controversies and public criticism

Following the June 4, 2009 rally, TVB increasingly attracted criticism for an alleged pro-Beijing stance. Online forums such as HKGolden and LIHKG mockingly referred to the broadcaster as "CCTVB," merging its name with that of the Chinese state media outlet CCTV.

Throughout the 2014 and 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, TVB's reportage was widely perceived as biased toward pro-China perspectives. This perception triggered consumer boycotts, leading prominent advertisers including Pocari Sweat and Pizza Hut to terminate their advertising agreements.

In 2023, certain shareholders openly accused TVB’s board of misleading investors regarding the company’s executive framework and raised concerns over investment losses amounting to HK$1 billion from projects such as SMI and State Reserve Energy Bonds. Additionally, they criticized TVB’s eCommerce venture "Ztore" for demanding substantial logistics investments despite increased sales fueled by extensive TVB advertising campaigns, cautioning about potential significant financial setbacks.

Organizational decline

On 29 June 2018, internal sources disclosed that TVBI and the Broadcast Operation Department conducted layoffs affecting 100 employees within two days. By July, the sports division had reduced its workforce by 30, retaining only five staff members, and the long-standing program Sports World aired its concluding episode on 7 July 2018. The myTV SUPER sports channel ceased operations on 15 August. According to the "Hong Kong Animation Information Network" Facebook page, the dubbing team diminished from approximately 70 to just four members, with further extensive layoffs anticipated, provoking public dissatisfaction.

General manager Shin Keong Cheong declined to renew his contract and denied any staff reductions. By August, the print edition of TVB Weekly was discontinued in favor of a digital-only format. The overseas websites for TVB8 and TVB Galaxy were shut down in September 2018. Additionally, myTV Super’s TVB Sports Channel, live news channel, and TVB Travel Channel ended broadcasts. Reports suggested plans to reduce the workforce by around 800 employees. On 5 October, roughly 150 personnel from departments including TVB Weekly, Production Coordination, Arts Division, and non-drama productions were dismissed; this group included producers and directors of Pleasure & Leisure.

In December 2019, pro-establishment Sing Tao Daily revealed that chairman Charles Chan intended to divest his shares and resign from his position. On 16 December, CEO Mark Lee announced plans to cut approximately 350 jobs—representing about 10% of total staff—with over 50 behind-the-scenes employees laid off on 20 December primarily from variety and information programming units. Charles Chan officially stepped down as chairman and non-executive director on 20 January 2020 and disposed of all his shares.

During 2020, TVB expanded its footprint into mainland China by entering a partnership with Youku. Revenues from drama co-productions increased by 72% following collaborations with Youku and Tencent.

In 2021, TVB acquired Ztore, a domestic e-commerce platform operating ztore.com and neigbuy.com.

A Communications Authority survey in 2023 revealed mixed audience reactions: some viewers commended TVB’s reality programming for its modernity and engagement; others criticized repetitive drama series and variety shows lacking originality. Programming related to the Greater Bay Area was considered uninspiring by some viewers who also objected to excessive product placements in series such as Scoop () and Come Home Love: Lo And Behold (). Indirect advertising via "Big Big Shop" was also viewed as overly pervasive. Additional concerns highlighted political partiality in content, promotion of affiliated businesses’ products, and calls for discontinuation of the TVB News Channel.

In April 2024, TVB consolidated J2 with the TVB Finance, Sports & Information Channel to create TVB Plus, simultaneously leasing the latter’s broadcast frequency to Phoenix Television for its Phoenix Hong Kong Channel. This reorganization was expected to yield cost savings of $100 million.

By August 2024, TVB reported a reduced net loss of $143 million for the first half of the year—a year-on-year improvement of 65%.

Board of Directors

Board Members
Executive Chairman Thomas Hui To JP
Non-executive Director Li Ruigang
Non-executive Director Anthony Lee Hsien Pin
Non-executive Director Kenneth Hsu Kin
Independent Non-executive Director Dr. William LO Wing Yan JP
Independent Non-executive Director Dr. Allan Zeman GBM, GBS, JP
Independent Non-executive Director Felix Fong Wo BBS, JP

Senior Management

Senior Executives
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Catherina Tsang Lai Chun
General Manager, Content Operations Eric Tsang Chi Wai
General Manager, Business Operations Siu Sai Wo
Deputy General Manager, Legal and International Operations Desmond Chan Shu Hung
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Ian Lee Hock Lye
Assistant General Manager, Human and Production Resources Kevin Tse Wai Kwong
Assistant General Manager, Drama Production Catherina Tsang Lai Chun
Assistant General Manager, News and Information Services Yuen Chi Wai
Assistant General Manager, Talent Management and Development Virginia Lok Yee Ling
Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications Bonnie Wong Tak Wei

Hong Kong Free-to-air

  • TVB Jade
  • TVB Plus (previously TVB J2 and TVB Finance, Sports & Information Channel)
  • TVB News Channel
  • TVB Pearl

MyTV SUPER

The TVB Network Vision service was discontinued on 1 June 2017 and succeeded by the OTT platform MyTV SUPER, which evolved from MyTV and GOTV to offer subscription-based television content. The "TVB Network Vision" brand was rebranded as Big Big Channel before ceasing operations in 2024.

  • Channel 18 (Horse Racing)
  • Asian Drama Channel
  • TVB Chinese Drama
  • Chinese Opera Channel
  • TVB Entertainment News Channel
  • SUPER Kids Channel
  • TVB Classic (featuring dramas from the 2000s onward)
  • Super FREE Channel
  • Golden Classic (programming from 1967 to 1999)
  • Golden Chinese Drama Channel
  • Golden Jade Channel

International

  • Asian Action Channel
  • Hub Cantonese on Demand (joint venture with Starhub; available only in Singapore)
  • Hub Drama First (Starhub exclusive in Singapore)
  • Fairchild TV (20% ownership; partnership with Fairchild Group)
  • Jadeworld (USA)
  • TVB Chinese Opera Channel (International edition)
  • TVB Entertainment News (International edition)
  • TVB Jade (International edition)
  • TVB Korea Channel
  • TVB News Channel (International edition)
  • TVB Finance, Sports & Information Channel (International edition)
  • TVB Vietnam (Vietnam version relayed via SCTV9; international version worldwide)
  • TVB Xing He (available in Asia and Thailand only)
  • TVB-Europe
  • TVB Jade Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Singapore markets)
  • Hub VV Drama (Starhub exclusive in Singapore; selected Mandarin-dubbed dramas)
  • TVB Queen (International edition)
  • TVB Comedy (International edition)

Malaysia

In partnership with Astro:

  • Astro AOD HD
  • Astro Wah Lai Toi On Demand
  • TVB Classic Malaysia
  • TVB Jade Southeast Asia
  • TVB Xing He
  • TVBS-Asia

Thailand

  • TVB Drama Channel Thailand (V2H8)
  • TVB Thai Treat

Cambodia

  • TVB Drama Cambodia
  • TVB Cambodia – Romance & Comedy

See also

External links

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