The Communications Authority today announced its decision to invoke the Broadcasting Ordinance to suspend Asia Television Limited’s free television service licence for 30 days for non-compliance with statutory and licence provisions.
The authority said ATV failed to comply with licence requirements to broadcast comprehensive news bulletins on its Home Channel from February 6 to 19 and on World Channel from February 6.
It also failed to comply with the residence requirement under the ordinance in respect of its directors and failed to pay the first instalment of the outstanding fee of its free TV licence by the stipulated deadline. Nor did it pay two sets of financial penalties by the stipulated deadline.
These constitute grounds for licence suspension under section 31 of the Broadcasting Ordinance. The authority today served ATV notice its decision and invited it to make representations in 28 days.
Upon receipt of ATV's representations and following due process under the ordinance, a final decision will be made on the matter, the authority said.