Public Consultation Begins for Now TV's Pay TV Licence Renewal

CA launches public consultation on renewal of domestic pay television programme service licence

The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:

The Communications Authority (CA) announced today (January 2) the commencement of a one-month public consultation on the renewal of a domestic pay television programme service (pay TV) licence.

The pay TV licence of Now TV Limited (Now TV) is due to expire on September 25, 2027 (Note). Now TV has submitted its licence renewal application to the CA. In accordance with the requirements under the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap. 562) (BO) and established procedures, the CA will carry out a detailed assessment of the licensee's past performance and collect public views through various means, including carrying out a one-month public consultation, an opinion survey and a televised online public hearing (TOPH). The CA will take into account the licensee's performance and renewal proposal, views of the industry and public, the latest market developments etc, and make recommendations on the licence renewal application to the Chief Executive in Council in September 2026.

Members of the public may give their views through various means, including submitting views in writing during the period from January 2 to February 1, 2026 (by email: paytv-pc@ofca.gov.hk, fax: 2507 2219 or mail to: Office of the Communications Authority (Attn: Broadcasting Section 32), 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong); and/or by participating in the TOPH which will be held on January 17, 2026. For the TOPH registration arrangements and the details of the licensee's service (including compliance records and investment plans), please visit the dedicated webpage on the CA's website.

The pay TV licence of Now TV is valid for 12 years from September 26, 2015, to September 25, 2027. As required by the BO, Now TV has submitted its licence renewal application to the CA no less than 24 months before the expiry of the validity period of its licence. The CA will carry out a review exercise for the renewal application in accordance with the BO and established procedures.

Note: The Chief Executive in Council renewed the licence of PCCW Media Limited in December 2014, with a validity period of 12 years from September 26, 2015, to September 25, 2027. PCCW Media Limited was renamed as Now TV Limited with effect from September 2024.

The Communications Authority (CA), Photo source: news.gov.hk

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal

Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported dog with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.

Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 64-year-old female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, a dog was seized from her rucksack, and she was subsequently arrested.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases