HONG KONG – Veteran media professional Stephen Chan Chi-wan has officially departed Commercial Radio (CR) Hong Kong, concluding his tenure as host of the popular morning show A Bright Day. His recent on-air farewell countdown ignited intense public speculation about his next career move, closely followed by cryptic promotional videos released by the station teasing a new host—rumored by netizens to be legislator Judy Ching Yuet-har. The timing of Chan’s decision, coupled with the announcement that Eric Tsang Chi-wai is stepping down from his executive role at Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), has prompted widespread conjecture that Chan might be poised for a dramatic return to the broadcaster he once managed.
Chan, who served as General Manager of TVB before his departure in 2012, recently posted a highly symbolic video on social media showcasing the exterior of the TVB City production complex, reflecting on his 18 years of history with the station. This nostalgic look back has particularly fueled rumors that he could be returning to fill a senior executive position, potentially succeeding Tsang, who is transitioning into an advisory role.
TVB Addresses Rumors of Executive Hiring
However, TVB has moved swiftly to quell rumors of Chan’s immediate return to management. When queried about the speculation, Sandy Wong, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications at TVB, confirmed that the company has not been in contact with the media veteran regarding employment.
“The company has not had the opportunity to contact this respected former colleague recently,” Wong stated. “Furthermore, the company currently has no plans to hire a General Manager for Programme Operations.”
Wong clarified that the operational responsibilities previously overseen by Tsang have been systematically delegated over the past year to four producers within the variety department. This transition demonstrates that the relevant programming duties are already “properly arranged,” mitigating the immediate need for a new executive in that specific operational area.
“We are pleased to hear that our former colleague enjoyed revisiting his old haunts,” Wong added, extending well wishes to Chan.
A Career Marked by Influence
Chan’s career trajectory has profoundly impacted Hong Kong media, spanning traditional broadcasting and executive leadership. After leaving TVB, his subsequent move to CR and his role hosting A Bright Day solidified his influence across both television and radio platforms.
His departure from CR now creates a high-profile opening in morning radio programming, an important slot in Hong Kong’s competitive audio landscape. Meanwhile, the speculation surrounding his potential return to TVB highlights the continuous, interconnected movements between the handful of major players that dominate the media industry in the region.
While TVB has dismissed the immediate hiring of a new General Manager, the public interest in Chan’s future remains robust. His next professional announcement will undoubtedly be scrutinized for signals regarding the evolving leadership and creative direction of both Hong Kong’s traditional and competitive digital media sectors.
