Hong Kong strikes gold with TV deal for Olympics
- By stepping in to buy broadcast rights, the government has ensured a Paris summer spectacular for sports fans
The Olympic Games offer a rare opportunity to bring nations and people together in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. This is not only confined to those who will have the privilege to participate in or personally witness the celebrated sports spectacular in Paris this summer, but also the many more who are eager to share the joy and excitement from afar at home via television.
That is why the Hong Kong government has, once again, stepped in and bought the broadcast rights for local free-to-air television stations to broadcast the Games without charge, and rightly so.
The public had a taste of what was to come three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, which saw Hong Kong achieve its best medal haul with events screened live at shopping centres and government sporting venues. The city’s community spirit and economy also received a much-needed boost as the world gradually put the pandemic behind it.
Announcing the decision for TVB, ViuTV and Hoy TV, as well as public broadcaster RTHK to air the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the public had high expectations for the Games. Noting commercial channels would not acquire broadcast rights in light of the current market conditions, Lee said the government had carefully weighed the pros and cons before sealing the deal.
Lee would only say the purchase was less costly than before, citing confidentiality rules. But given the substantial social benefits and the advertising revenues for commercial stations, the government move looks a winner.
The Olympics called for “special consideration” and the government was not seeking to influence competition for sports events among commercial broadcasters, he said. However, it would be good if more multimedia platforms were included to maximise coverage and publicity for the Games.
Hopes are high after Hong Kong athletes qualified for at least 15 events, including cycling, sailing, swimming, table tennis and windsurfing. The TV deal will also enable supporters to cheer on the national team.
Officials and others involved should therefore ensure coverage has the best social and economic impact.
