The domestic free television programme service (free TV) licences of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited (HKTVE), i-CABLE HOY Limited (formerly Fantastic Television Limited) (i-CABLE HOY) and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) are valid for 12 years and due to expire between 2027 and 2028. According to the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap. 562), the Chief Executive in Council (CE in C) may renew free TV licences on the recommendation of the Communications Authority (CA). The three free TV licensees have submitted their licence renewal applications to CA which will carry out a detailed assessment of the licensees’ performance against relevant statutory requirements, licence conditions, codes of practice, as well as public views on the services of the three free TV licensees in the formulation of its recommendations to CE in C.
The purpose of the public consultation is to gauge views from members of the public on the services of HKTVE, i-CABLE HOY and TVB. CA will take into account public views received in formulating recommendations to CE in C on the licence renewal applications.
For easy reference by members of the public, a summary of the licensees’ services under their respective licences, the complaint records, the licensees’ investment plans and major regulatory requirements on free TV are set out in the information document.
Members of the public may register for the televised online public hearing to express their views:
| - Date: | 20 September 2025 (Saturday) |
| - Time: | 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| - Language: | TOPH will be conducted in Cantonese. Participants may express their views in Cantonese, Putonghua or English (sign language will be provided to the hearing impaired) |
| - The public hearing will be live broadcast on RTHK TV 32 Channel and CA's website | |
Registration will start on 18 August 2025.
In the case of oversubscription to the TOPH, participants will be determined by ballot and successful registrants will be informed in advance. Participants should comply with the house rules for TOPH.
TOPH will be postponed if No. 8 or higher Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal or Black Rainstorm Warning remains in force 5 hours prior to the commencement of the public hearing on 20 September 2025. (Postponement arrangements will be announced on the designated webpage of CA's website.)
Members of the public are welcome to submit their views by 30 September 2025 through any of the following means –
| Post: | Office of the Communications Authority (Attn: Broadcasting Section 33) 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong |
| Fax: | 2507 2219 |
| Email: | consultation-tv-2025@ofca.gov.hk |
| Phone: | 2961 6641 or 2961 6649 |
| Email: | consultation-tv-2025@ofca.gov.hk |