i-CABLE Communications Limited (“i-CABLE”) (Stock Code: 1097) today announced the launch of HOY Infotainment (Channel 78), an all-new free-to-air news and infotainment channel. HOY Infotainment (Channel 78) will be premiered on November 21, 2022 (Monday) at 6AM, leading the Hong Kong television industry to a new chapter.

The inauguration ceremony of HOY Infotainment (Channel 78), the news and infotainment channel, was held today and officiated by The Hon C Y LEUNG, GBM, GBS, JP, ViceChairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; The Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen, GBM, GBS, JP, The President of the Legislative Council; The Hon CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Deputy Secretary for Justice; The Hon Kevin YEUNG Yun-hung, GBS, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Mr Patrick Tsang On-yip, i-CABLE Vice-Chairman and Executive Director. Representatives from the local and international media, academia and finance sectors also attended the ceremony and witnessed the key milestone of the establishment of HOY Infotainment.

The Hon C Y LEUNG, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, expressed that he was delighted to witness the launch of a brand new free-to-air news channel, “We live in a world rich with content and the media serves a key role in delivering this to the public. The mission for every professional media outlet is to deliver information in an accurate and timely manner. I am excited to join the inauguration ceremony of HOY Infotainment (Channel 78). The media bears an important responsibility reporting news from both Hong Kong and beyond. I hope today’s milestone serves as a form of encouragement and reinforcement of the role they are playing.”

The Hon Andrew LEUNG Kwan-yuen, GBM, GBS, JP, The President of the Legislative Council, congratulated the launch and the upcoming premiere of HOY Infotainment (Channel 78), scheduled next Monday. He said, “HOY Infotainment’s mission, ‘Spotlight on Hong Kong, Eye on the World’, will no doubt appeal to a lot of people including myself, who are looking to learn more about the latest developments here in Hong Kong and from around the world. With the overwhelming proliferation of free news platforms, social media and new media channels, members of the public are understandably concerned about the authenticity of the information available. I hope journalists from HOY Infotainment and the wider media industry in Hong Kong will continue to pursue their passion in reporting objectively and comprehensively, to safeguard the public’s right to know, as well as the free flow of information in our city.”

Mr. TSANG On Yip, Patrick, Vice-chairman and Executive Director, i-CABLE Communications Limited expressed his appreciation for all guests at the inauguration ceremony and vision for HOY Infotainment to become the most trusted, credible and impactful news source in Hong Kong. He also said: “i-CABLE News has always been a trusted news platform among Hongkongers. The impartial and high-quality local news and financial news information to be aired in the new Channel 78 will be produced by the i-CABLE News editorial team based on the most professional journalistic principle. Moving forward, ‘Spotlight On Hong Kong. Eye On The World’ will not just be the slogan and positioning of HOY Infotainment (Channel 78), but also the promise for our respected audience.”

Ms. Regina Kwan Wai-ling, i-CABLE Director of News and Infotainment and General Manager of i-CABLE News Limited said: “As the world changes rapidly, we have witnessed radical change in how audiences receive their information. i-CABLE and our team will continue to lead the trend by building leading-edge omnichannel, one-stop media platform.”  

The new HOY Infotainment will bring three unique features to audience. Firstly, under the positioning of “Spotlight On Hong Kong. Eye On The World”, HOY Infotainment will focus on first-hand local news, global financial updates, sports news, and infotainment, which are very well received by the audience in recent years. Separately, HOY Infotainment will also join hands with the reputable i-CABLE News team to provide the audience with quality local and international news, as well as financial updates produced based on professional journalism. Thirdly, in line with HOY TV's long-standing mission of "Serving the Needs of Audiences", programmes by HOY Infotainment are produced from the perspectives of Hong Kong citizens, highlighting the latest social issues in the city. To create truly inclusive programmes for audiences with different needs, HOY Infotainment will also feature news reports with sign language.

Highlights of Key Programmes at HOY Infotainment (Channel 78)

·         《Anchor Focus》— A brainchild of the news anchors of i-CABLE News, this weekly, 3-minute segment follows these familiar faces out of the newsroom to get behind the camera to report on issues they think are interesting or important.

·         《Money and Wisdom》— This half-hour programme every Sunday takes a deep dive into the latest financial issues and investment strategies featuring financial experts, famous commentators and business leaders who will share their takes on the latest financial events.

·         《World Living》— Host of “Property Outlook” takes his expertise out of Hong Kong to view and inspect homes around the world so you can better understand global property markets, ones to invest in and ones to steer clear from. His first stop is the United Kingdom, whereby he examines home designs, standard of living, and investment insights.

Increasing Free-to-Air TV Spectrum Broadcasting Coverage, Reaching Approximately 99% of the Hong Kong Population

In September, HOY TV and Hong Kong International Business Channel announced that its signal coverage of the Free-to-Air TV spectrum has reached approximately 99% of the Hong Kong population, providing more variety of information and entertainment to a wider group of audience. With the official premiere of the new Channel 78 HOY Infotainment on November 21, 2022 (Monday), a brand-new range of diversified infotainment news programmes will also be launched. Residents and viewers in Hong Kong can stay tuned to enjoy the programmes on channel 76, 77 and 78 by rescanning the TV programme channels.

Tsang added, “Free television broadcast has over 50 years of history in Hong Kong, while there are ups and downs during the last five decades, the only thing remains unchanged is the passion of the industry practitioners. Moving forward, all of our free television channels – HOY TV, HOY Infotainment, Hong Kong International Business Channel will continue to serve the needs of audience, producing TV programmes that are welcomed by citizens of Hong Kong, as we strive to become the most reliable entertainment and news source for the public.”