TVB's big big channel to cease operation in May

TVB’s subsidiary video and social platform “big big channel” is suspending its operation in May this year as part of its effort to optimise the allocation and utilisation of corporate resources.

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, TVB said in an effort to optimise the allocation and utilisation of corporate resources, TVB's online video platform "big big channel" will cease operations starting from 2 May this year. This decision is in line with TVB's cost rationalisation strategy, which targets services that have not achieved the anticipated economic returns, the statement read. 

"Concurrently, the resources of 'big big channel' will be consolidated with other existing TVB platforms, aiming to minimise operating expenses and enhance overall competitiveness. TVB's current cross-platform entertainment business has entered a new track. As a historical legacy business, 'big big channel' has no prospect of further development, therefore TVB decided to terminate its operations," the statement added. 

Audiences can still watch other programmes on tvb.com, a check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw on its website.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to TVB for a statement. 

Established in 2017, many TVB artists have livestreamed via the platform in the beginning of its operations. Some livestreams have copped flak such as hosting a mahjong competition for TVB artists to boost programme views.  

Don't miss: TVB's big big shop reorganises job positions upon upgrading

Until 2018, “big big channel” launched eCommerce platform “big big shop” to boost sales in live commerce. However, “big big shop” had to cut some employees last September due to upgrading, transformation and reallocation of resources of the company.

According to its official statement, TVB stated that as the eCommerce business in Hong Kong is growing, the company’s eCommerce business group has entered the stage of upgrading, transformation and resource integration to maximise the business benefits of the company.

Separately, TVB has recorded a HK$807m loss attributable to equity holders of the company for the last financial year due to weakened TV advertising market and slowdown in the company's China co-production business caused by covid restrictions across the border. Meanwhile, its revenue increased 24% mainly due to expansion of its eCommerce revenue of its subsidiary platform Ztore.

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