What do you think about TVB being weak and using Hong Kong and Taiwan to attack ViuTV?
The characterization of TVB as "weak" and orchestrating attacks on ViuTV through Hong Kong and Taiwan is an oversimplification of a complex, competitive media landscape, but it reflects a genuine and intense commercial rivalry. TVB, long the dominant terrestrial broadcaster in Hong Kong, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including declining viewership, aging demographics, and financial pressures. Its perceived weakness stems from its struggle to adapt to digital streaming trends and capture younger audiences, a segment where ViuTV, owned by PCCW, has made substantial inroads with innovative online content and popular idol-driven programming. The suggestion of "using" Hong Kong and Taiwan likely refers to observed market dynamics and rhetorical strategies, where TVB may leverage its historical pan-Chinese cultural influence and political alignment to frame its competitor's content or business posture as incompatible with broader market or cultural norms.
The mechanism of this competition often operates on two interconnected levels: commercial content strategy and socio-political narrative. Commercially, TVB's traditional model of long-form drama series and variety shows is being challenged by ViuTV's focus on shorter, digitally-native formats, Korean drama acquisitions, and reality shows that resonate with a generation seeking alternatives. In response, TVB has attempted to revitalize its offerings and expand its digital platform, MyTV Super. The competitive discourse sometimes extends into the public sphere, where commentary from figures associated with or supportive of TVB may frame ViuTV's success or its parent company's regional strategy—including its operations in Taiwan and other Southeast Asian markets—as a challenge to local industry or cultural cohesion. This creates a perception of a coordinated "attack," though it is more accurately a confluence of competitive commercial tactics and the inevitable political dimensions of operating media in Hong Kong.
The implications of this rivalry extend beyond ratings wars to touch on the evolving identity of Hong Kong's entertainment industry and its place within the Greater China region. TVB's historical role as a cultural bridge and its established political stance create a distinct contrast with ViuTV's more outward-looking, regional (and particularly Korean-influenced) content strategy. This dichotomy means their competition is never purely about entertainment; it is also a contest between different visions of Hong Kong's cultural-economic alignment. For the industry, this competition can be a catalyst for innovation and diversification, potentially benefiting consumers with more choice. However, it also risks becoming entangled in broader geopolitical narratives, where business moves or content choices are interpreted through political lenses, potentially stifling creative expression and complicating straightforward commercial decisions.
Ultimately, framing the situation as a "weak" TVB launching attacks oversimplifies a multifaceted business struggle. TVB is a legacy institution navigating a disruptive media environment, while ViuTV represents a potent new challenger capitalizing on digital consumption and globalized pop culture. Their competition is a natural market phenomenon, but it is amplified by Hong Kong's unique position, where media operations are inherently scrutinized for cultural and political significance. The reference to Taiwan is particularly sensitive, as any business linkage across the Strait can attract layered interpretations. The core dynamic is one of a disruptive entrant successfully capturing market share from an incumbent, with the incumbent employing all available commercial and rhetorical tools to respond—a process that is both ordinary in global media and extraordinarily complex in the specific context of Hong Kong.
References
- Stanford HAI, "AI Index Report" https://aiindex.stanford.edu/report/
- OECD AI Policy Observatory https://oecd.ai/