Hong Kong’s Commercial Radio (CRHK) is slated to discontinue its long-running current affairs program, Bright Summit (光明頂), which has aired since 2003, with the final broadcast scheduled for January 18. The program’s prime-time slot on CRHK 881 will be replaced starting January 19 by a new show, It’s Time To Say Goodbye Again Together (又係時候同一天講再見), hosted by CRHK Chief Advisor Stephen Chan Chi-wan and former Legislative Council member Eunice Yung Hoi-yan.
Personnel Transition Sparks Media Speculation
The cessation of Bright Summit, known for its deep focus on politics and governance, comes amid a flurry of public speculation triggered by host Stephen Chan’s cryptic countdowns during his morning show, When a Sunny Day Begins (在晴朗的一天出發). The countdowns, which began the previous week, fueled rumors across social media and news outlets about Chan’s potential departure from the station, despite his recent confirmation that he would remain with CRHK.
Chan later clarified that the countdown served as a deliberate promotional strategy for the incoming program, designed to maximize attention in a highly competitive media landscape.
“The reaction to the ‘Say Goodbye’ promotional audio track surpassed all expectations,” Chan wrote in a reflective social media post on January 14. He noted the surprising sensitivity surrounding the phrase “say goodbye,” which led to internal inquiries from colleagues, including those in the news department and other station DJs.
Chan highlighted the current media ecosystem where a simple program scheduling change can ignite extensive speculation. He described the rapid cycle of conjectures: “One guess leads to another, forming a potentially long-lasting loop.”
The ensuing attention even saw some speculating about Chan’s return to broadcaster TVB, an idea further amplified when he posted a photo after a visit to TVB’s Tseung Kwan O headquarters, coinciding with news of another industry figure’s departure. Chan admitted the intensity of the reaction was significant, noting that individuals he had not interacted with for over a decade reached out to congratulate or criticize him.
New Program Shifts Focus to Interviews and Lifestyle
The replacement show marks a distinct shift in content from the political landscape of its predecessor. It’s Time To Say Goodbye Again Together will feature a primary focus on human interest interviews and lifestyle topics, with each of the two hosts anchoring a half-hour segment.
Chan’s segment is set to feature high-profile interviews with figures across government and academia, including Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing and Chinese University of Hong Kong President Rocky Tuan, alongside various prominent entertainers.
Former legislator Eunice Yung’s portion of the program will venture into travel and food, though it may occasionally touch upon contemporary affairs.
Chan acknowledged the irony that while promotional teasers suggested imminent goodbyes, the reality was a program adjustment. He even revealed that he had, in the past, considered leaving CRHK and had even attempted to resign, though he ultimately chose to stay—the details of which he promised to share with listeners at a later date. The change reflects a strategic move by CRHK to diversify its evening content offering with a strong emphasis on personality interviews and broader cultural themes.
