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TVB cancels live gala event amid mass protests in HK

20 Nov – After changing its gala's name to "52 Years of TVB: Treasuring Hong Kong, Providing Entertainment", TVB recently decided to cancel the live broadcast of the annual event altogether.

As reported on Mingpao, the broadcaster shared the bad news in a statement released to the media, saying that they have decided to do so following the protests that have been taking place in several districts including Tseung Kwan O, where their building is located.

"The traffic conditions would have been hard to predict, thus, in consideration of everybody's safety, we have decided to cancel the live event of the gala. We apologise for this," the statement added.

On the other hand, in his 52nd anniversary speech, TVB Chairman Charles Chan said that he never expected that this year would pose more challenges, after admitting last year to be the most challenging year for the company.

"I, like everybody else, do not possess a crystal ball and foresee what would happen in Hong Kong this year. What is happening now is unprecedented," he added, in referring to the mass protests going around the city.

Chan also admitted that the demonstrations and violent clashes for the past five months have affected all walks of life and that Hong Kong's economy is now entering a cold winter, affecting TVB as a whole as well.

"The company will take cautious measures. I wish Hong Kong will return to peace and order and we are convinced that Hong Kong will be able to do so," he added.

(Photo Source: Mingpao)