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In response to the transition arrangements of Asia Television Limited (ATV) on expiry of its domestic free television programme service (free TV) licence, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said this morning (April 2):
"I am grateful to the co-operation rendered by all parties concerned for a smooth transition, including the assignment of the TV spectrum vacated by ATV to HK Television Entertainment Company Limited (HKTVE) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), and the handing over to RTHK of the government lands or premises of ATV's transmission sites.
"More so, the stop-gap analogue TV service provided by RTHK by broadcasting the programmes of its digital terrestrial television channels on the two analogue channels vacated by ATV has commenced in the early hours today. HKTVE has also started to transmit its digital free television programme channel, ViuTV Channel 99, through radio waves. These new free TV services will provide additional programme choices for TV viewers.
"ATV has been broadcasting in Hong Kong for 59 years, producing a wealth of classic television programmes. With the launching of new free TV services, I hope that the television industry of Hong Kong will be brought to a new height."
Ends/Saturday, April 2, 2016
Issued at HKT 00:31
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