TVB

Television Broadcasts Limited, commonly known as TVB, is the second^[1] over-the-air commercial television station in Hong Kong. It commenced broadcasting on 19 November 1967.^[2] With a staff of about 4,500, it is one of two free-to-air television broadcasters in Hong Kong, the other being its arch-rival, Asia Television Ltd (ATV).^[3]

TVB is the first free-to-air (FTA) television broadcaster in Hong Kong. When TVB first began broadcasting, to distinguish it from the cable television broadcaster, Rediffusion Television, it was commonly known as "Wireless Television" (無綫電視 Cantonese: mo sin din si) in Chinese, although there is more than one terrestrial television station now. The company's current chairman is Sir Run Run Shaw.^[3]

TVB currently operates five free channels in Hong Kong.TVB Jade (Cantonese) and TVB Pearl (English) are TVB's flagship television channels. Under the digital terrestrial television platform, which formally commenced on 31 December 2007, J2 and iNEWS are new channels launched with standard definition, while HD Jade is Hong Kong's One-and-Only 24-hour broadcasting channel in high definition.^[4][5] TVB currently provides twelve pay-tv channels for its associated company, TVB Pay Vision Limited.

TVB reaches out to the overseas Chinese communities. Its productions are available in Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, among others, on channels such as TVB's own TVBS-Europe [1] subscription satellite service.^[6] In Taiwan, TVB operates through its TVBS subsidiary.

Many of Hong Kong's film and pop stars started their careers at the station through drama series produced by TVB. Special TVB events such as the annual TVB Anniversary Celebration are broadcast to planetary audience. TVB also runs talent programmes such as the annual Miss Hong Kong and Miss Chinese International beauty pageants. Successful contestants may be offered TVB's contracts and represent Hong Kong to take part at world-class beauty contests, including the Miss World Pageant.

History

Early years

Television Broadcasts Limited started back in 1967, as Hong Kong TV, though it has its roots dating back to 1965, when the Hong Kong government intended to issue a license. After funds from both Hong Kong and Britain, the audience reach caught on quickly. However, news programmes did not dominate early on.

The 1970s started to have more success. The British government wanted to request a license for Western wireless multicast programming that involved shareholders around the world that included the United States. It eventually hired foreign voiceovers on foreign programmes until 1976. The station would eventually air the programme called "Frenzy" in 1980.

1980s and 1990s

The early 1980s saw a change at TVB. Sir Run Run Shaw has taken over as chairman after the first chairman (and remains so today), Toshitaka, has died due to a heart disease. After taking control of TVB, Shaw leased the TVB studios to Clear Water Bay Studios.

In January 1984, TVB, what was then called Hong Kong Television Limited, was listed on the Hang Seng Index. However, when TVB wanted to operate a television outside the business, the government stepped in, claiming that the implementation of the "TV shares two control", does not allow the free-to-air station to be a subsidiary of another company. As a result of such, TVB began corporate restructuring, branding as "Hong Kong Television Group", which replaced "Hong Kong TV".

By the late 1980s and into the early 1990s, Hong Kong was in a stagflation. The increased production costs and the slowing economy made business more difficult for TVB. While in stagflation, the government banned cigarette advertising on television, including both TVB and Rediffusion Television, which was later called Asia Television Limited. In response to audience loss during that period, TVB introduced a strict cost control.

Notable events

The following are some of the notable events which have marked TVB's history:

• 19 November 1967, Jade broadcast live at 9 am the day of the 14th Macau Grand Prix, for Hong Kong's first live show. At 4 pm, at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui Kai broadcast ceremony, then-Governor David Trench came over helicopter. The General Manager is the first Australian Beynon (Colin Bednall).
• In 1968, TVB broadcast the production of our first TV series "West Side Story Love Day", for the first time using satellite broadcast of the Olympic Games and in 1969 the first man landed on the moon.
• On 18 June 1972, for the first time the use of electronic news gathering equipment, TVB reported Hong Kong's Tsui Ping Road landslide.
• In 1973, TVB organized the first Miss Hong Kong Pageant.
• On 11 July 1976, to the global satellite broadcast for the first time Miss Universe held in Hong Kong campaign, a global audience of more than 500 million people.
• In November 1992, at the Silver Jubilee, TVB held the world's first International Symposium on Chinese television (International Symposium on prospect & challenges in Chinese Television Broadcasting), more than 200 broadcasters around the world, Chinese industry representatives.
• On 14 February 2004, reduction of production departments Variety about 70 jobs, lead to the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions to help set up the first wireless employees union, also launched on 16 February "Black Operations" expression of dissatisfaction with employers In 23 February meeting held its first labor, reflecting dissatisfaction.
• On 31 December 2007, at 7 pm, TVB launched the official start of digital terrestrial broadcasting services.
• On August 2008, TVB was invited to Beijing Olympic Broadcasting, and was involved in the production of television broadcast Olympic Equestrian Events.
• On 8 November 2008, the first major international beauty pageant production of television programs, held in Macao and called the 48th Miss International, was broadcast on TVB.

Development

TVB dominates most of the television market in Hong Kong, but it is not considered the powerhouse it used to be. It started in 1965 as a competitor to what was then called Rediffusion Television, later to become ATV, a cable operator that charged subscription fees for its operation, and the only terrestrial competitor to TVB. One of the first shows launched was Enjoy Yourself Tonight in 1967.

TVB receives praise for its programming from a wide range of demographics, including the middle class, as was the case with its 2004 historical drama series War and Beauty. Its programme line-up features a steady stream of soap operas, variety shows and other populist fare.

TVB has been criticised for signing exclusive contracts with many local celebrities which restrict them from appearing on other local television stations. Hong Kong's Cable T.V. claims it is unfair competition (although Asia Television Ltd, another major television station in Hong Kong, disagrees). In fact, many artists do not have exclusive contracts with TVB and are free to show up in programmes produced by other local television stations or out-sourcing production houses.

The annual TVB Music Awards ceremony is one of the biggest for Cantopop personalities. It is widely rumoured that TVB distributes the awards to those who are obedient to the company's demands, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption has investigated the arrangement of the awards.^[7] It ruled that three TVB staff members under scrutiny were not guilty. Afterwards, TVB reformed its music programmes in a bid to reestablish their authority.^[8]

On the other hand, TVB was awarded the National Association of Broadcasters's (NAB) International Broadcasting Excellence Award in 2001. The award recognised the company's outstanding contributions to the community through a wide range of charitable programmes and activities. Hong Kong thus becomes the first city in Asia to receive this prestigious award in this area.^[3][9]

In 2005, TVB, in association with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, organised the biggest fund-raising campaign in the company's history in response to South-East Asia's devastating tsunami. It raised over one hundred million Hong Kong dollars to assist those affected.

From 31 March 2008, TVBS-Europe launched their "Multi-channel" package in Europe. It consists of 5 different channels which include the existing TVBS-Europe Channel plus the addition of TVBN, TVB Entertainment News, TVB Classic and TVB Lifestyle.^[10]

Location

TVB was originally located on Broadcast Drive in Kowloon Tong, and was neighbours with RTHK and ATV. By the late 1980s, the company had out-grown the facility at Broadcast Drive, and built a new studio complex, named T.V. City, at 220 Clear Water Bay Road in 1988.^[11] The first TVB City was in fact the old Shaw Movie Town complex used by Shaw Brothers since 1958. The old Broadcast Drive headquarters was later converted into apartments. The first TVB City is now used by Celestial Pictures.

To cope with future development and expansion, TVB began planning in 1998 to develop a replacement facility at the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. The new HK$2.2 billion TVB City came into full operation in October 2003. The new headquarters are built on by far the largest piece of land ever leased by the then Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation and the first service-providing company in the area. It has a building area of over 110,000 square metres, 30% more than that of the previous facilities at Clear Water Bay. Studio 1 in TVB City, which can seat an audience of six hundred and thirty, is the largest television production studio among commercial television stations in Asia.^[12]

News operation

TVB broadcasts several news programmes, such as News At 6:30(Jade) and News At 7:30 (Pearl). It also operates its own news channel, TVBN. (Chinese: 無綫新聞台; Cantonese Yale: mo sin san man toi) and TVBN2 (Chinese: 無綫新聞二台; Cantonese Yale: mo sin san man toi), through TVB Pay Vision (Chinese: 無綫收費電視; Cantonese Yale: mo sin sau fai din si).

Management

• Sir Run Run Shaw G.B.M. (Non-Executive Chairman)
• Mona Fong (Deputy Chairperson and Managing Director)
• Stephen Chan Chi Wan (General Manager)
• Virginia Lok (Production and Resource Director)

Notable shows from TVB

TVB is a major television programme producer in Hong Kong, and its programmes usually receive greater ratings than offerings from the other local television stations. Many local and international movie actors, including Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Stephen Chow, began their careers in TVB shows.

• Enjoy Yourself Tonight (1967–1994), one of the world's longest-running live variety show. Its popularity is comparable to United States's Saturday Night Live.
• The Bund (1980), starring Chow Yun-fat. It is regarded by many as one of the best TVB dramas due to inspirational storyline and music. The drama was a success throughout Asia, which inspired several serial adaptations, including TVB's own 1996 adaptation (starring Sunny Chan) and a 2007 Mainland China adaptation (starring Huang Xiaoming).
• The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1982), a serial adaptation of Louis Cha's wuxia novel of the same name, starring Felix Wong and Barbara Yung.
• Return of the Condor Heroes (1983), the sequel to Legend of the Condor Heroes, is a serial adaptation of Louis Cha's wuxia novel of the same name, starring Andy Lau and Idy Chan.
• Looking Back in Anger (1989), is a tragic serial drama starring Felix Wong, Deric Wan, and Carina Lau. It remains to be one of the most watched TVB drama to date.
• The Greed of Man (1992), starring Adam Cheng, heavily impacted international stock brokers, and created the phenomenon known as the Ding Hai effect.
• The File of Justice series (1992–1997) were a popular legal drama series, spanning to five seasons. It is commonly known as the Hong Kong version of America's Law & Order.
• Cold Blood Warm Heart (1995), a popular romantic serial drama starring Gallen Lo, Julian Cheung, Nnadia Chan, and Jessica Hsuan.
• A Kindred Spirit (1995–1999), the second longest-running series in Hong Kong television history.
• Super Trio Series (1995–present), a popular variety game show.
• The Detective Investigation Files series (1995–1999) were a popular crime drama series about detectives in Hong Kong, spanning to three seasons and one spin-off season. Louis Koo and Jessica Hsuan won their first "Best Actor" and "Best Actress" award respectively in 1999 for their roles in the fourth season.
• Journey to the West (1996) was one of the few TVB Jade programmes to be dubbed in English and rebroadcast on TVB Pearl.
• Old Time Buddy (1997), a comedy-drama that satires Hong Kong's filming industry in the 1960s. The drama won "Best Drama" at the annual TVB Anniversary Awards, also yielding Gallen Lo's first win for "Best Actor."
• The Untraceable Evidence series (1997) were a popular crime drama series about forensic science. It is commonly known as the Hong Kong version of America's CSI.
• Secret of the Heart (1998), a popular serial drama famous for its dramatized triangle relationships. It yielded Gallen Lo's second win for "Best Actor", Ada Choi for "Best Actress", and Nick Cheung for "Most Improved Actor."
• The Armed Reaction series (1998–2004) were a popular crime drama series dealing with discrimination women face within the police force. The drama spanned four seasons.
• The Healing Hands series (1998–2005) were a popular medical drama series known for its remarkable medical accuracy. It is commonly known as Hong Kong's version of America's ER. The first season yielded "Best Drama" award in 1998.
• At the Threshold of an Era (1999–2000) is an epic drama featuring a large ensemble cast. It is TVB's most expensive drama to date.
• War of the Genders (2000), a sitcom starring Carol Cheng and Dayo Wong, is generally considered as TVB's most critically acclaimed sitcom. It held the title as TVB's highest-rated drama (49 viewership points) until the broadcast of Korea's Jewel in the Palace, which broke to 50. It yielded Cheng to win "Best Actress" and Wong to win "My Favorite Male Character."
• Virtues of Harmony (2001–2005) is one of the longest running sitcoms in Hong Kong, yielding two seasons – a historical costume series with a modern-day spin-off.
• A Step into the Past (2001), a serial adaptation of Huang Yi's wuxia novel The Chronicles of Finding Qin, starring Louis Koo. The drama yielded Koo's second win for "Best Actor."
• Golden Faith (2002) a series revoling family and greed of the Ting family. It won Gallen Lo the third Best Actor as Ting Sin Boon and My Top 12 Favourite Television Characters shared with Jessica Hsuan. It also won Myolie Wu's first TVB award with My Favourite Vastly Improved Actress as Ting Sin Yan. The peaking point was 39.
• Where the Legend Begins (2002) starring Ada Choi and Steven Ma in a tragedy story set during the Three Kingdom period based on the life story of Yan Fuk, one of the most beautiful girl in China's history.
• Square Pegs (2003), a drama serial starring Roger Kwok, depicts the life of a mentally-retarded young man. It yielded Kwok's win for "Best Actor". A modern spin-off drama was released in 2005, which Kwok won the "Best Actor" award again for the second time.
• The Last Breakthrough (2004), one of TVB's most heart-warming dramas based on an medical organization that goes to Kenya to help the less fortunate.
• War and Beauty (2004), a costume drama serial depicting the lives of four concubines and their psychological torments with each other to strive to the top. It yielded Gigi Lai and Bowie Lam's win for "Best Actress" and "Best Actor" respectively; Sheren Tang for "Best Supporting Actress", Chan Hung-lit for "Best Supporting Actor" and 2004's "Best Drama".
• Heart of Greed (2007), a popular drama serial that achieved the "Best Drama" award of 2007. It yielded Moses Chan's first win for "Best Actor", Louise Lee for "Best Actress", and Louis Yuen for "Best Supporting Actor."
• Moonlight Resonance (2008), the sister production of Heart of Greed. While it was critically less successful than the former, the drama is the highest-rated TVB production ever produced, yielding the "Best Drama" award of 2008. It yielded Ha Yu's first win for "Best Actor", Michelle Yim for "Best Actress," Raymond Lam for "Favourite Male Character"and Tavia Yeung for "Best Supporting Actress".
• E.U. (2009), the third season of The Academy series, was widely popular in part due to Michael Tse's character, Laughing Gor. His character inspired a spin-off film, Turning Point (2009), starring Tse, Anthony Wong, and Francis Ng. Tse was awarded the "Best Supporting Actor" award.
• Rosy Business (2009), award-winning costume drama starring Sheren Tang and Wayne Lai. It yielded Tang the "Best Actress" award, Lai with three awards (Best Actor, My Favorite Male Character, 's Popular Artist), Susan Tse for "Best Suppporting Actress", Pierre Ngo for "Most Improved Actor", Producer Lee Tim-shing for "Lifetime Achievement Award" and "Best Drama" award for 2009.
• Beyond the Realm of Conscience (2009), a grand TVB production drama loosely inspired by popular Korean drama [Jewel in the Palace] which was broadcast in Hong Kong in 2009. The Story going with the two friends like sisters who then became enemies, lied in the conflicting around the palace during the latter years of Tang Dynasty. Along with widely acclaimed by critics for its elaborate costumes and gripping plot, the series became the one of highest rating TVB drama, praised the popularity of First Villain role of Tavia Yeung as Yiu Gam Ling. It then led her to win two awards in one night such as "My Favourite Female Character" and "Best Outstanding Performance" for the series.
• No Regrets (2010), which is also known as "Rosy Business 2", is the award-winning sister drama of Rosy Business. This is a drama set in the 1930s that has won many awards from the "TVB Anniversary Awards Gala 2010" including: Wayne Lai and Sheren Tang won "Best Actor" and "Best Actress", for the second year in a row, Evergreen Mak and Fala Chen won "Best Supporting Actor", and "Best Supporting Actress". Raymond Wong won "Most Improved Actor". This is another highly-acclaimed drama produced by Producer Lee Tim Sing.
• Ghetto Justice (2011), a surprise hit comedy legal drama starring Kevin Cheng in the breakthrough role of "Law Ba" which led him to winning several Best Actor awards including at the 2011 TVB Anniversary Awards. During the TVB Awards, Cheng also won the "My Favourite Male Character" award and "tvb.com Microblog's Popularity Award". Due to the success, a sequel was immediately filmed in October of the same year.
• Lives of Omission (2011), a spin-off of E.U. reviving the popular character "Laughing Gor" portrayed by Michael Tse. It won Best Drama at the 2011 TVB Anniversary Awards and also yield Ben Wong the "Best Supporting Actor" award and Jin Au-yeung the "Most Improved Male Artiste" award. In Mainland China, Tse won the Beijing Youku Drama Awards for Best Actor of the Year (HK/Taiwan) and in Malaysia, Tse won three awards at the My Astro On Demand Favourites 2011 including "My Favourite Dram Character", "My Favourite On Screen Couple" shared with co-star Fala Chen and "My Favourtie Drama Theme Song" making him the big winner there. It was also the highest rated series of 2011 until it was beaten by Forensic Heroes III, making it the second highest rated series. A film sequel, Turning Point 2, started filming a month after the series' finale broadcast and was released on 29 December 2011. Film co-stars Francis Ng and Chapman To.
• Forensic Heroes III (2011), a grand production reboot of the Forensic Heroes franchise starring Wayne Lai and Maggie Cheung Ho-yee. The series became the highest rated TVB series of 2011.
• When Heaven Burns (2011), a series that was filmed back in 2009, known for being the first TVB series to focus on cannibalism. Many people refuse to accept the topic of cannibalism and not watch it which caused very low ratings, making it the second lowest rating series of 2011. The series was also later banned in Mainland China due to reference to the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. However, the series was highly praised by those who have seen it including praises for having a fresh topic and the good acting by actors Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Charmaine Sheh. The series became a very popular topic on the internet.

Criticism

In 2009, TVB drew criticism on Internet forums when its news department lightly dabbed the issue on 4 June Incident during the 20th Anniversary of the event. This was seen as a deliberate act to gain the favor of the Chinese Central Government, and to make their programming more acceptable by Chinese censors. Many mocked TVB that it had become "CCTVB". TVB is also criticised for not reporting news that may harm their own interests, such as the mid-term review of both aTV's and TVB's broadcast licensing.

The standard of TVB's entertainment programmes, from soap operas to games shows, have also been criticised to be of reducing quality. Soap operas reflect less and less of the lives of the average Hong Kong citizen, and game shows are said to resort to the use of bad language and borderline eroticism, wastage of food and resources, and polluting the minds and children and adolescents.

TVB has also been heavily criticised for being a copycat, copying many elements from the more successful shows on TV, sometimes to the extent that they even copy the entire format of a show, such as Hong Kong Today, with which TVB made Focus on Focus, others drama include "Forensic Heroes" was undeniably a copy from American TV "CSI" , "Dicey Business" was a copy of "Las Vegas" .

Corruption probe

On 11 March 2010, the general manager Stephen Chan Chi Wan and four others were arrested on corruption charges by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). TVB confirmed that three of their employees were involved, and that their duties and work had been suspended pending further development. Stephen Chan Chi Wan has now been charged with corruption in September 2010. TVB has declined to comment on the current situation. .^[13]

Channel list

Hong Kong Free-to-air

These channels are also available outside Hong Kong in neighbouring countries e.g. the Philippines and Singapore.

• TVB Jade
• TVB Pearl
• TVB J2
• TVB iNews
• TVB HD Jade

Hong Kong Pay Vision

• TVB Entertainment News
• TVBN
• TVBN2
• TVB Drama
• TVB Select
• TVB Classic
• TVB Lifestyle
• TVB Kids
• TVBM
• TVB Lifestyle2
• TVB Mainland News
• Super998
• TVB PV Info

International

• TVB8 - broadcast in Mandarin
• TVB Xinghe
• TVBJ
• TVB DAIFU
• TVB Korea Channel
• Astro Wah Lai Toi (Co-operate)
• Astro On Demand (Co-operate)
• TVBS-Europe
• TVB Entertainment
• TVB Vietnam
• Fairchild TV (Co-operate)
• Jadeworld

Taiwan

• TVBS
• TVBS Joy Channel
• TVBS-NEWS
• TVBS-Asia

See also

• List of Hong Kong companies
• List of Chinese companies
• Asia Television Limited - rival broadcaster
• TVB News
• Jadednews.com Asian Celebrity News

References

External links

• TVB Official Site (Chinese)