A nostalgic reunion of presenters from the popular 1990s Commercial Radio morning program series, “No Prefix” (無字頭), captivated social media users this week, eliciting fond memories of the era. Comedian and director Vincent Kuk Tak-chiu, a key figure in the program’s history, shared a photograph of the gathering on his social media platform yesterday, instantly trending among Hong Kong audiences who grew up listening to the influential series.
The impromptu get-together included several prominent personalities who helmed the “No Prefix” shows—specifically recognized as No Prefix 789 and No Prefix 8910. Attendees alongside Kuk included media personality Joe Nieh (倪震), renowned radio host and executive Chan Fai-hung (陳輝虹), and broadcaster Tse Chiu-yan (謝昭仁).
Rekindling Memories of Hong Kong’s Morning Airwaves
Kuk’s accompanying message, translated from Chinese, playfully challenged followers’ longevity, stating, “‘No Prefix’ hasn’t gathered for a long time. It was delightful. If you recognize all of us, you must be of a certain age!” The post quickly became a focal point for fans reminiscing about the lighthearted and often satirical segments that characterized the late-morning radio slot two decades ago.
The immediate reaction highlighted the lasting impact of the program and its hosts on Hong Kong’s media landscape. Among those commenting was beloved celebrity Vivian Chow (周慧敏), wife of Joe Nieh, who expressed her sentiment: “Missing you all.” Kuk responded directly, reinforcing the camaraderie: “Missing you too.”
More significantly, the post prompted a flurry of fan discussions attempting to list the full roster of contributors to the rotating cast of the “No Prefix” programs, demonstrating the deep connection listeners held with the on-air personalities. These shows were known for launching and featuring numerous figures who would go on to achieve fame in film, comedy, and music.
The Legacy of “No Prefix”
The Commercial Radio series, which blended current affairs, lifestyle segments, and characteristic Cantonese humor, served as a launchpad for a generation of creative talent. Fan recollections in the comments section named several notable former hosts, confirming the broad reach of the program.
Among the names recalled by netizens were stand-up comedian Dayo Wong (黃子華), celebrated music producer Mark Lui (雷頌德), actor and comedian Cheung Tat-ming (張達明), and influential director Pang Ho-cheung (彭浩翔). The long list underscores that the show was less about a fixed team and more a vital training ground for Hong Kong’s entertainment industry.
The gathering serves as a poignant reminder of the vibrant, often experimental spirit of Hong Kong media during the 1990s. For many fans, the series epitomized a golden age of local radio, where diverse personalities could engage in witty, unfiltered banter that resonated profoundly with the daily lives of listeners.
While the hosts have moved on to varied and successful careers—from film direction to media management—the shared history of the “No Prefix” series remains a powerful cultural touchstone. Their reunion not only provided a dose of nostalgia but also celebrated the enduring friendships forged on the airwaves decades ago.
