HONG KONG – Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), the city’s dominant free-to-air broadcaster, officially renamed itself “Wireless Group Limited” on Monday, marking a strategic pivot from a traditional television station into a diversified cross-media entertainment conglomerate, company executives and veteran artists announced at a press conference.
The rebranding, unveiled by TVB’s executive chairman Thomas Hui and attended by dozens of current and former stars, reflects the company’s response to a rapidly changing media landscape. “We are choosing to proactively transform and undergo a comprehensive, thorough reform,” Hui said, emphasizing that the company is no longer just a television channel but a multi-platform entertainment group.
The event featured a lineup of prominent actors, including Liza Wang, Ruco Chan, Law Tsz-yi, Lau Wing-hin, and Crystal Fung, who gathered to witness what the company described as a historic moment.
Liza Wang, a TVB icon for nearly six decades, delivered some of the most poignant remarks. The 77-year-old actress, who joined the industry in 1966, recalled watching television evolve from black-and-white broadcasts to the digital age. She said the addition of “Group” to the company’s name signals a broader business scope. “When people see the word ‘Group,’ they will understand that our operations are becoming more diversified,” Wang said. “I hope the company grows bigger, and that our opportunities increase—most importantly, that everyone earns more money.”
Wang noted that the most exciting period of her career was the transition from monochrome to color television, followed by the rapid expansion of programming that made TVB a leader in Southeast Asia and among Chinese-speaking communities worldwide. She expressed optimism about the mainland Chinese market, saying, “With the country as our backing, we cannot afford to fall behind. Entering a new era is thrilling.”
The veteran actress also took time to reflect on the recent passing of screen legend Patrick Tse, with whom she worked on five television dramas. She described Tse as a “man of loyalty” and “a true gentleman,” noting that she had never heard anyone speak ill of him in decades. “He was really a good person,” Wang said, adding that she had maintained contact with Tse’s ex-wife Deborah Lee and their daughter, actress Tse Ting-ting, but had not visited Tse recently due to his health. She declined to comment on funeral arrangements, calling Tse “a free-spirited person, not just in appearance but in how he handled things.”
Younger stars echoed the company’s vision for growth. Ruco Chan, who just wrapped a drama shoot, emphasized the importance of stage performances and overseas appearances. Law Tsz-yi expressed hope that the company would expand into stage plays, jokingly suggesting that he and Chan could form a duo called “Chan-Lo” for tours. Both actors said they hoped the rebranding would lead to more work opportunities and higher income.
Separately, Chan used the occasion to firmly deny renewed rumors linking him to actress Lui Ching-ching, who is currently involved in a debt-related legal dispute. “Please do not involve my name in this. It is absolutely not true,” Chan said. “We were only former colleagues. I have a wife and daughter now, and I need to maintain my image as a father. Stop it.” Law declined to comment on his ex-girlfriend, artist Fu Bo-yi, who recently alleged past domestic abuse and being forced to apologize.
Actresses Lau Wing-hin and Crystal Fung both welcomed the company’s move toward greater diversification, including the integration of artificial intelligence in production. Lau, who appeared visibly thinner, said she was busy filming a new drama involving action scenes, which left her with bruises. Fung, who recently wore a sporty crop top at a fitness chain event, clarified that she had not adopted a permanent sexy image, noting that the outfit was chosen to match the event’s theme.
The rebranding represents a broader shift in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, where traditional broadcasters are racing to adapt to streaming services, social media platforms, and changing viewer habits. TVB, which has faced declining advertising revenue and audience fragmentation in recent years, has been investing in mainland co-productions, online content, and talent management. The change to “Wireless Group” signals that the company intends to operate as a holding entity with multiple business lines, rather than solely a television network.
As the company moves forward, industry observers will be watching whether the rebranding translates into tangible growth—and whether the new structure can sustain the legacy of a broadcaster that once defined Hong Kong’s pop culture.
