TVB has decided to cancel the Mr. Hong Kong Pageant for 2012, citing the need to clearly re-think the program’s future direction. TVB’s Director of Production, Sandy Yu (余詠珊) said that it was necessary to be clear on whether the Mr. Hong Kong Pageant should emphasize the entertainment value or pursue a high-class/ elegant path. Sandy Yu said, “Since 2005, the Mr. Hong Kong Pageant has been in existence for 7 years. There have been strong reactions from our society regarding the program. I do not know in the future whether to pursue a high or low track–whether to feature more explosive and entertaining elements or follow a high-class track. Since it is impossible to establish a middle ground between the opposing tracks, we will not produce a Mr. Hong Kong Pageant this year.” TVB Diverting Company Resources Since the first Mr. Hong Kong Pageant took place in 2005, the program has attracted many muscular contestants and was extremely popular among female viewers. Although the pageant produced memorable winners such as Matthew Ko (高鈞賢), Benjamin Yuen (袁偉豪), and William Chak (翟威廉) over the years, the winners have not achieved career results on par with the Miss Hong Kong Pageant winners in recent years. TVB’s decision to cancel the Mr. Hong Kong Pageant this year was clearly made at a time when the company must clearly rethink its programming choices; this year was especially critical for the company to retain viewership due to the entry of new competitors such as City Telecom (CTI) and Now TV. While TVB cited that it wished to clarify the Mr. Hong Kong Pageant’s focus, the format of the 2012 Miss Hong Kong Pageant was announced to incorporate Reality TV elements, which will clearly increase the program’s entertainment value. TVB to Develop Police or FireFighter Reality TV Shows? Sandy Yu expressed the interest to develop new Reality TV shows, such as programs to select legal enforcement personnel. Ms. Yu said , “Firefighters and police officers are heroes in the eyes of the audience. I have proposed the idea [of such a Reality TV show] to the respective City contacts, but they thought I was joking. I will continue to try hard.” TVB to Devote Resources to Recruit Talent Losing many of its production staff and artists to CTI, TVB will launch a wide-scale recruitment campaign this summer. An acting training class will also be implemented. Creds: Ming Pao/Oriental Daily/Jstars
i'm glad they cancel it... Since they began the Mr. HK Pageant in 2005 none of the winner have ever get any popular. I think it really give too many "false hope" to the winner. I think those didnt win the competition would be better off.
benjamin yuen's acting is not bad. however, i do agree that the mr hk pageant is not really finding new talents (actor). recruit true talents then help them get proper appearance makeover, is probably better than finding hot guys that lacks the talent to act. the makeover i am refering to does not imply surgeries, but a proper diet/work out program and a styling makeover. that means if you're overweight, underweight, out of style, poor appearance, etc. but you can act, then you deserve a chance to be on tv
