Jacky Cheung Hops to i-Cable, Turns His Back on TVB

Original URL: http://www.hkvpradio.com/news/article.php?article=1025

Hong Kong Entertainment News @ HKVP Radio
June 21, 2004

MING PAO - Jacky Cheung made a deal with i-Cable to do 3 music specials and isn't afraid of ticking off TVB. Jacky doesn't have a contract with TVB and Alan Tam doesn't either. They are both A-list singers. In a shrinking music industry with digital publicity, they have the freedom to do as they wish. TVB's Jade Solid Gold Awards ratings are at an all time low and mostly cater to young idols. For the past generation of singers, this means nothing to them in terms of publicity. Then, TVB went the game show route for singers who don't care about elevating their standards in singing. A bunch of singers wait on line to get on Jade Solid Gold. The lucky ones have TVB playing their video, so then what? Even if the video gets on TVB, it doesn't guarantee more album sales. For new singers, they can never have too much support from TV. Simply, TVB's influence in the music industry is too big. Ninety five percent of Hong Kong singers have contracts with TVB. To have something where everyone is happy is impossible today. Recently TVB approved a new rule where only contracted singers are allowed to perform the theme songs to their soaps. In their music specials, TVB chooses which singers to promote. Jacky Cheung feels it is reasonable to work with i-Cable. Even though their ratings are nowhere near their rival, TVB's music program is not what Jacky needs. Even though the i-Cable audience is smaller, it is the type of people Jacky wants to reach. The singer says that he will not lose anything or be in a disadvantageous position by working with i-Cable. -- Anni

(Source: HKVP Radio)