Film and television are crucial components of modern society. They are as much a source of entertainment and inspiration as cultural identity and ideology. Economically, they provide jobs, facilitate advertising and consumption, and even boost tourism in some cases. The benefits make a strong case for nurturing a healthy environment for further development.

If a study presented in the FILMART trade event last week is anything to go by, the film and television industries in Hong Kong made a direct contribution of HK$7 billion to GDP, providing some 13,270 jobs and HK$583 million in tax revenue last year. Indirect and induced contributions took the total up to HK$15.58 billion. That said, it only accounted for 0.3 per cent of our GDP, a level much lower than countries in Asia. The industry called for more government support and better copyright protection to support the industries.

The two sectors are arguably doing quite well already. Dozens of television licences have been issued, providing 685 channels for audiences in and outside the city. The movie genres available in local cinemas are also one of the richest in the region. But a closer look reveals a different perspective. About two-thirds of the population still only have access to the two existing free-to-air television stations. Increasingly, the public is dissatisfied with the lack of choices and varieties. As the industry is practically dominated by TVB, it does not bode well for competition and pluralism. In what appears to be the death knell for ATV, a key investor was quoted in a media interview as saying that the days for the underdog broadcaster are numbered, following repeated failures to find a "white knight" for rescue. But he later denied having said so.