A fresh batch of aspiring anchors and seasoned media personalities gathered Wednesday for the unveiling of HOY TV’s new program “I Want to Be a Host,” a competition series that blends news broadcasting with entertainment. The show, hosted by veteran entertainer Kenneth Chan and former news anchor Fion Fong, features 30 contestants ranging from actors to everyday hopefuls.
Among the participants are well-known faces including comedian Joe Yau (nicknamed “One Dollar Joe”), former TVB host Yan Yan Chan, and Lau Hoi-chun, nephew of acclaimed actor Lau Ching-wan. The diverse lineup reflects the show’s goal of identifying raw talent with potential for news presenting.
Chan and Fong, who have collaborated multiple times, bring contrasting styles to the program. Chan takes on the “funny” role while Fong delivers serious segments. Speaking to reporters, Chan revealed that a life-threatening experience a few years ago shifted his perspective. “I now face the world with humor,” he said, explaining his effort to keep the show entertaining. “I’m also the ‘face担当’—I’ll revive the classic ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ hosting style, using multiple-choice questions to test contestants on current affairs and news sense.”
Fong, praised by Chan as a “news queen,” admitted the pressure of reading complex scripts without error. “He asked if I was afraid of making a fool of myself. Of course I am. Some vocabulary is very difficult—I worry about mispronouncing it,” she said. Fong also highlighted the challenge of delivering a live one-minute news report without any video assistance. “It’s a test for me too,” she added.
Beyond her on-screen duties, Fong has been actively recommending contestants to directors and production companies. Chan jokingly called her a “host mama-san,” a term Fong embraced. “If these young people ever thank me from a stage, I’ll be very happy,” she said. “It’s about passing on knowledge.”
Lau Hoi-chun, who impressed Chan with his confident singing during auditions, acknowledged the influence of his famous uncle. “He’s very quiet and doesn’t give much advice, but he encourages me to carve my own path,” Lau said. He noted that his rendition of “The Lovelorn Expert” by singer Siu Lam earned praise from the judges. Meanwhile, Joe Yau, previously criticized for rude and unprofessional behavior, appeared to avoid the media, leaving quickly after group photos.
Yan Yan Chan, a former host of TVB’s “Young and Restless,” said the competition is grueling. “The judges’ comments are sharp—they’ve made many of us cry,” she admitted. Asked about former co-host Katrina Yau’s changed appearance sparking plastic surgery rumors, Chan defended her: “I’ve known her since we were 18. She was already flawless back then.”
The show’s star mentors and judges include seasoned journalists such as Cheung Man-choi, Ng Ka-hin, Mak Si-man, and Lam Siu-chun. Mak’s father, Mak Chun-kong—the iconic former host of “Police Report”—visited the set. “I grew up watching him,” Chan said. “I wouldn’t dare act cocky in front of him.”
“I Want to Be a Host” airs on HOY TV, offering a unique blend of news training and entertainment that tests contestants’ composure, knowledge, and charisma under pressure. The series marks another step in Hong Kong’s evolving media landscape, where traditional broadcasting skills meet modern reality TV formats.
