In recent years, Hong Kong star Eric Tsang, who has been serving as the General Manager of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), participated in a Chinese variety show “Ace vs. Ace”. In the latest episode of the show, he was questioned by Chinese actor Tang Guoqiang about the financial situation of TVB, sparking discussions on whether TVB has declined.
During the show, Eric Tsang and Tang Guoqiang engaged in a sharp and entertaining exchange of questions and answers. Tang Guoqiang first asked, “Some netizens say that TVB has been on a downward trend in recent years, do you agree? What is your take on this?”
Eric Tsang responded, “TVB focuses on content, content is king, every work has its content. We focus on content, so TVB will not decline.”
Subsequently, Tang Guoqiang pursued, “Some say that problems arose because you took on the role of General Manager?” To this, Eric Tsang rebutted, “Don’t just rely on online news, most of it is fake, look at the facts. When I joined TVB, it was losing money, but this year it’s making money.”
While Eric Tsang appeared proud in his remarks, some netizens pointed out that many frontline TVB artists have turned to the music industry due to lack of acting opportunities, even holding concerts to earn extra income. Some also commented on the awkward performances of some TVB artists appearing frequently on Greater Bay Area programs, singing and dancing rigidly.
According to a report by “HK01”, TVB’s streaming platform myTV SUPER announced last month on social media, “Hong Kong’s first A.I.-generated continuous drama ‘You are the Only One in My Heart’ is set to premiere.” This youth campus drama, with only a 30-second preview, was entirely created using AI technology, with no human actors involved. After the preview was released, it sparked heated discussions among netizens, with some criticizing the decision, saying, “So many young contracted actors are not being used, they are only using AI, aiming for profit, which will lead to a vicious cycle,” and “As the leading television station in Hong Kong, TVB is the first to ruin its own employees’ rice bowl.”
The report mentioned that 67-year-old Hong Kong star Law Kar-ying expressed dissatisfaction for over ten minutes during a TVB meeting in early April. He became increasingly emotional, revealing that he felt neglected, with a lack of acting opportunities and many of his roles being cut. As his contract was nearing expiration, he argued that even a dishwasher earned more than him, demanding a raise and hoping for fair treatment. His words left TVB executives in an awkward situation.
TVB, which went public in the 1980s, was once one of the blue-chip stocks in Hong Kong, but its stock price has continuously dropped to a historic low in recent years. The current TVB, now catering to mainland Chinese audience preferences, collaborates with “Taobao” and organizes artists to endorse products through live streaming. However, two years ago, TVB announced the merger of its two free-to-air TV channels, while simultaneously restructuring its e-commerce business acquired just two years prior, resulting in hundreds of job cuts. The once glorious TVB has left many Hong Kong celebrity artists in a dilemma.
In fact, discussions about the “decline of TVB” have been ongoing online for many years. Many netizens believe that the declining quality of TVB dramas and dimming star power in recent years are the main reasons for audience erosion. They often express their nostalgia in forums, lamenting, “Can’t go back to the glorious days before,” and “Always the same few actors coming and going.”
Eric Tsang’s statement on “Ace vs. Ace” claiming that TVB made a profit this year has once again raised concerns and doubts among Hong Kong artists about the future of TVB. Additionally, some mainland Chinese netizens have given feedback, saying, “‘Ace vs. Ace’ should be the worst variety show this year.”