TVB calls unprecedented ban on Next Media

Tension between two of Hong Kong's most powerful media organisations TVB and Next Media have flared up.TVB has confirmed that Next Media is no longer a welcomed guest to any of its press conferences or media gatherings, typically a hot bed for celebrity news which Next Media thrives on.A strongly worded statement released by the broadcast company accused Next Media of running a smear campaign against it over free-to-air licensing row."Next Media's publications have been targeting TVB on the free-to-air license issue. The decision of the licensing belongs to the government and was not influenced by TVB,” the company said."Next Media made inaccurate stories on the license issue and has been deliberately attacking and calumniating TVB, the behaviours have violated journalism ethics and far exceeded appropriate standard of a media corporation. The purpose is obvious."It continued to accuse Next Media to create “white terror” by calling a boycott against TVB’s Anniversary Gala programme on 19 November.The action, which is believed to be the unprecedented ban from TVB, follows Apple Daily’s article attacking the anniversary programme rating as well as biased reports on TVB's artists.Apple Daily chief editor Kim Hung Cheung expressed regret over TVB’s decision and said on its digital news platform that the publication has been concerning about the justice of the licensing and the stories are based on facts. There was no unwarranted attack and vilification to TVB.Apple Daily declined to comment further.