Hk-Court's decision on free-to-air TV licensing will be closely watched

The television licensing debacle has posed another challenge to chief executive Leung Chun-ying. It started with his cabinet being accused of unfairness for rejecting Hong Kong Television Network's bid to go on air, while approving two pay-TV operators to expand into the free-to-air market. Fuelled by conspiracy theory, finger-pointing and mass rallies, it soon escalated into a stand-off. Without any sign of compromise, a court is being asked to review the decision.

That the drama is moving into the courtroom is regrettable, but unsurprising. The government has sat on the three applications for three years. It should have had enough time to scrutinise them and make the best decision. But the outcome clearly falls short of public expectation, as reflected in the rallies over the past week. The outcry prompted Leung to explain further in a media session on Tuesday. He maintained that the government had followed standing procedures and the law. He also denied forcing through the decision, saying the Executive Council he chairs had considered an array of factors. However, the public appears to be unconvinced by the explanations, with critics saying the city's core values of fairness have been undermined. Some government allies are also distancing themselves from the saga.http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/1339149/courts-decision-free-air-tv-licensing-will-be-closely