Tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens converged for a week-long mass protest in support of Hong Kong Television Network (HKTV), which was recently denied a license by the Hong Kong government.
Celebrities, HKTV staff union members, and pan-democratic groups all rallied outside government headquarters from Oct. 20-26. Organizers estimate that over 100,000 participants showed up to advocate for the popular television network, which had to lay off 320 staff members after the government refused to grant the license.
The protesters demanded that the government explain itself, since it gave licenses to two other stations, i-Cable and PCCW’s Now TV, and did not give a clear reason for denying HKTV.
The HKTV staff union held the sixth and final rally on Friday night from 8pm to 11pm. Participants roared for Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying and his Executive Council to “admit their mistake” and chanted that Leung should “step down.”
The union plans to rally again in a few days, HKTV’s chairman is planning legal action, and many pan-democratic and other groups are looking to use a parliamentary maneuver to force the government to come clean on its reasons for denying the license.
A zdnet.com article describes HKTV as “a startup which promised to broadcast critical programming across Hong Kong that reflected the realities of Hong Kong life.”
“The refusal to provide reasons for the refusal to grant a license has raised suspicions that the influence of Mainland China is behind the decision, and that it reflects a desire in Beijing to slowly encroach upon media freedom in Hong Kong in an attempt to bring it in line with the ruling party’s values,” the zdnet.com article stated.
Among the protesters at the rally were civil servants, who are normally apolitical, and secondary students.
“I was shocked at the refusal of the license,” said Mr. Chung of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), who stayed at the protest for four nights, Apple Daily reported. “With such a shocking event, you should not blame civil servants and students for coming out. We have to fight for our rights.”
A secondary student named James said, ”Some under the pretext of ‘study first’ choose to ignore what’s happening, which obliviousness leads to the current situation. One day in future when we are oppressed, nobody will come to our rescue.”
Celebrities’ Encouragement
In addition to presenting HKTV programs at the rally, many celebrities came to support the cause. One of them was the famous actor Andy Lau, who encouraged HKTV staff through a video, calling the staff union “very rational and very united.”
“I am very moved by your conduct. I hope that the union will get an answer. Let me say once again: I support you! Keep your spirits up!” Lau said, bringing a huge cheer from the participants.
British singer Kashy Keegan flew in all the way from the United Kingdom to show his support.
Members from different HKTV crews, including some of those who were laid off, took turns expressing their feelings on stage. Actress YoYo Mung sobbed, “Why force us to stop? I truly want to ask: why weren’t we given a chance to improve?”
Famous Hong Kong actor Paul Chun, father of HKTV actor Benji Chiang Man-Kit, recalled how he warned his son when he wanted to enter this field: “You have to work with enthusiasm and work hard with good preparation.” He said that what he taught his son is contrary to what the government is now doing, and criticized the government for giving no explanation for the license denial.
“I think the HKTV spirit is the spirit of Hong Kong people, and the Hong Kong people’s spirit is my spirit,” said actress Maggie Cheung. “I hope the government pays attention. We all want to know the truth, to preserve the core values of Hong Kong—to be fair, just, and transparent. The current situation is bitterly disappointing.”
Legal Challenges
HKTV chairman Ricky Wong Wai-kay has said that he would seek legal redress, and the union, pan-democratic groups, and the pro-business Liberal Party have all appealed to the government to rethink its decision.
The staff union gave the government until Oct. 26 to explain the license denial, and the union expressed anger that Chief Executive Leung did not respond, according to South China Morning Post.
One government official, Greg So Kam-leung, claimed that he had already explained the government’s decision in a letter to HKTV on Saturday, according to the Post. However, the letter reportedly only stated that “a number of factors had been considered,” the Post added.
The government also claimed that it was dealing with “judicial proceedings” and therefore could not offer an explanation, the Post reported. Pan-democratic groups, the Liberal party, and a political fringe group called the People’s Opposition Party have all petitioned the government to change or explain their decision.
“Granting three licenses [instead of only two] is the easiest way to defuse this political bomb,” said Liberal leader James Tien Pei-chun according to the Post.
What’s Next
Several HKTV staff members remain camped outside the government headquarters, while union chairman Henry Yeung Chi-ho said the union is planning what to do next, the Post reported.
The union will return for another rally on Nov. 6, when the Legislative Council will debate the issue. Pan-democratic, Liberal Party, and possibly other legislators will seek to use the “Power and Privilege Ordinance” to force the government to produce documents showing the basis for the license denial.
According to Apple Daily, if the Council does not employ the ordinance, netizens will arrange for blocking the entrances of the building.
Netizens are also calling for everyone in the city to turn off their TVs in protest on Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m., Apple Daily reported.
Translated by Y.K. Lu. Written in English by Sally Appert.
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