ATV and TVB have been rivals for the past 50 years, but in a time of crisis, TVB is willing to lend a helping hand. With ATV on the brink of a financial collapse, TVB has decided to help the ailing station by purchasing the broadcast rights of several Hong Kong Cantonese vintage films for millions of HKD. At the Walk for Millions held on January 11, ATV executive Ip Ka Po (葉家寶) and a group of ATV artistes held up signs to show that they would not step down in the face of crisis. Many passersby also shouted their support to ATV. Even TVB artistes, including TVB executive Mark Lee (李寶安), gave ATV their support. The artistes from the two camps greeted each other and chatted amiably. Showing good sportsmanship, it was revealed that TVB has purchased the broadcasting rights to several ATV vintage films in the past few months. Mark Lee confirmed this piece of news, announcing that TVB has bought six to eight ATV-licensed black-and-white Cantonese films for several million HKD. TVB will digitally remaster the films before airing them online. Mark Lee also added that TVB is willing to provide ATV with even more resources—such as news clips and interviews—if ATV asks for them. Asked if TVB purchased the films at cheap prices, ATV executive Ip Ka Po explained that as long as the money can help ATV recover from its current slump, the amount is not an issue. In ATV’s upcoming fundraising concert, Ip Ka Po said ATV will invite the competitors of Asian Millionstar <亞洲星光大道> for the concert. The station has already sent out an invitation to award-winning singer-songwriter Adason Lo (羅力威), who made his debut through the first season of Asian Millionstar, to make a guest appearance, but it is currently unclear if Adason has room in his schedule. ATV will also contact legendary singer Paula Tsui (徐小鳳) to convince her to return. With ATV attempting to find new sponsors to help its financial crisis, there may be a possibility that ATV will have to borrow artistes from other stations. TV King Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) said, “We are all sitting in the same boat now. If the companies do take action of this, I don’t mind collaborating.” ATV has cut back many services and benefits for its workers, such as food and water. ATV artiste Frankie Choi (蔡國威) said he has not been working at the station so he was not aware of it. Kiwi Yuen (袁潔儀) heard that some coworkers had to bring their own toilet paper for the bathroom. She praised, “The ATV staff is very strong at adapting! If they were stuck in a deserted island, they could still survive for months.” Creds: Oriental Daily
By help atv, tvb is tying to make sure HKTV does take this opportunity to revive their hopes of a TV license.
How about TVB remastering their own CLASSICS.... most of the 1980's are soooo good compare to some crap they put on now...
ATV has had several good series in the past, but it should have closed down long ago... It may seem like TVB is lending them a hand for the sake of generosity, but in reality how many actually think this is the case? It's more like they want to take advantage of a dying station, and to prevent HKTV from getting a free-to-air license.
