Talking points: How do you feel about ATV not getting its licence extended?
Hate it when you can't talk back? Well, you can with Young Post. Have your say and share with students around Hong Kong
Timophy Pit Hok-yau, 15, King Ling College
It is sad to see ATV go. It is part of the collective memory of many Hongkongers. It's like your favourite childhood shop being closed. I also feel very sorry for the hundreds of ATV staff who are likely to lose their jobs when the broadcaster goes off the air next year. What are their career prospects? I think the government should help these people.
Kaur Sandeep, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong
The revoking of Asia Television's licence was the right thing to do. The broadcaster has already delayed paying staff salaries several times, so I see no reason why its licence should be extended. But the fact is, with the closure of ATV, TVB will continue to dominate the local television industry, and viewers will have fewer choices.
Shirley Tsang, 20, University of Toronto
The government's decision not to renew ATV's free-to-air licence makes perfect sense. The station has been running at a loss for a long time and offering "cheap" programmes to its viewers. Now, other broadcasters have a chance to grab the audience's attention and provide tough competition to TVB by producing high-quality shows.
ATV has a long history but the broadcaster hasn't used its resources properly. Even with talented actors, production teams and scriptwriters, they have been unable to make a major impact on the local TV scene.
Instead of making positive changes, ATV bosses are waiting for a "white knight" to save the company. How about making better use of the company's capital, selling off some unused facilities and adopting a new, trendy branding scheme? I don't think tax-payers' money should be used to support such a badly managed firm.
Peggy Cheng, 17, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College
I don't have a lot of sympathy for ATV. A lot of Hongkongers have grown up with ATV, which was launched more than 50 years ago. However, the quality of their programmes has been deteriorating. The station lacks innovation and keeps repeating old shows.
What's more, ATV does not have enough money to survive, and it will be difficult for them to regain the viewers' trust. I believe revoking their licence is good news for both ATV and the audience.
Tony Lam Hoi-kit, 16, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
I have not watched ATV for more than 10 years. Actually, I am not surprised that ATV's free-to-air licence has not been extended. But I felt quite sad after hearing the news, not because ATV would be gone forever from our TV screens, but for the station's staff.
ATV does not have enough money even to pay staff salaries, but they are doing their best to keep the company running. This indomitable spirit should be applauded.
Tell us how you feel about ATV not getting its licence extended in the comment box below.
In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:
What are your thoughts on the increase in minimum wage from HK$32 to HK$32.50?
We are now accepting answers from readers for this new topic. To take part, e-mail your answer with your name, age and school, plus a high-res photo of yourself (no less than 1MB), to [email protected] by Monday lunchtime next week.