“We also considered the social value brought by the broadcasting of the last Tokyo Olympics: the joy, unity and pride it brought to all residents. [we share] Congratulations to the players for their outstanding achievements. ”
Mr Lee said the broadcast rights fees were “reasonable” and lower than what the government paid for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and what local TV stations spent for past Olympic events.
City leaders declined to say how much they would pay, citing confidentiality clauses with the International Olympic Committee, but said it would be well worth the cost because private television stations could earn advertising revenue.
Businesses in shopping centers could also benefit from increased foot traffic by hosting live shows on big screens, he added.
“After the broadcast of the last Olympics, society's demands and expectations have increased even more. After having such a fun and enjoyable experience at the Tokyo Olympics, I think expectations are also high for the Paris Olympics,” Li said.
Under an agreement with city officials, four local stations are required to broadcast replays during daytime hours.
The city's leader said the move would ensure Hong Kong viewers always have the latest results.
The deal also included social media content, but Lee did not elaborate.
The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, creating a 15-hour time difference for Hong Kong spectators. But Lee said authorities could hand over coverage of those matches to private broadcasters.
“We do not intend to change the business competition model where some commercial entities bid for broadcast rights for various sporting events. We are giving special consideration this time. [for the Paris games],” He said.
How Hong Kong athlete Siofhan Hooi's Olympic ambitions were sown
How Hong Kong athlete Siofhan Hooi's Olympic ambitions were sown
Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, welcomed the government's move and said he had discussed the idea with Lee and other officials on various occasions since July last year.
He said public support was needed for local athletes competing overseas, and the government's purchase of broadcast rights would give athletes more exposure thanks to local TV stations and a larger audience. said.
The then-chief executive also cited confidentiality conditions, but government expenditures include the HK$160 million (US$20.4 million) paid by TVB for the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2012 Olympic cable TV deal. It pointed out that this was less than the HK$120 million it had paid. match in London.
Previous agreements required free-to-air broadcasters to broadcast a minimum of 900 hours of content, and the five participating stations were also required to broadcast all events involving Hong Kong athletes.
Officials said Tuesday that a similar arrangement would be in place for the Paris Olympics.
