Paris Olympics: Hongkongers can watch coming games for free after authorities buy broadcast rights
==========
Hongkongers can watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics for free on free-to-air TV stations TVB, ViuTV, Hoy TV, and public broadcaster RTHK. The city's leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, announced that the broadcast rights were purchased at a cheaper price than the Tokyo games. The purchase was made out of 'special consideration' and to bring joy, unity, and pride to residents. The amount paid for the broadcast rights was not disclosed due to a confidentiality clause. The move is expected to benefit commercial TV stations through advertising revenues and businesses at shopping centers through higher foot traffic. Replays will be aired during daytime hours, and social media content is also covered in the deals. The 2028 Olympics will have a 15-hour time difference for Hong Kong audiences, and coverage of those games will be left to commercial broadcasters. Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, welcomed the government's move as it offers more exposure to local athletes and a larger audience. In 2021, the government purchased the rights for the Tokyo Olympics, spending less than HK$160 million paid by TVB for the Rio Olympics in 2016 and HK$120 million spent by Cable TV for the 2012 games in London. The previous deal required free-to-air stations to carry a minimum of 900 hours of content and broadcast every event involving Hong Kong athletes. A similar arrangement is expected for the Paris Olympics.
#ParisOlympics #BroadcastRights #HongKong #TvStations #JohnLeeKachiu