World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive
After 59 years on air, Hong Kong's ATV ceased broadcasting following financial collapse and failed rescue attempts.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) archive highlights the historic closure of Asia Television (ATV) on April 1, 2016. After 59 years as the world's first Chinese-language television station, ATV ceased broadcasting following months of financial turmoil, near-shutdowns, and dramatic last-minute negotiations. The station's final night featured only a few fresh news programs and concluded with a nostalgic re-run of its signature Miss Asia beauty pageant just before midnight, symbolizing the end of its long-running cultural presence in Hong Kong.
The shutdown was precipitated by a complex financial collapse. Major creditor Wong Ching was winding up the company to recoup losses after a deal to sell a controlling stake to mainland investor Si Rongbin fell through. Despite Si's China Culture Media proclaiming itself as ATV's savior, it failed to pay two months of owed staff wages. The station's broadcast license had also been revoked, leaving its future existence in other forms uncertain and dependent on ongoing High Court proceedings.
- Asia Television (ATV), founded in 1957, was the world's first Chinese-language TV station.
- It ceased broadcasting on April 1, 2016, after 59 years on air due to insolvency and a failed ownership transfer.
- The final broadcast included a re-run of the station's iconic Miss Asia pageant, with only two fresh news programs that day.
Why It Matters
Marks the end of a pioneering broadcast era and highlights the financial and political pressures facing traditional Hong Kong media.