Ordinary Gweilo

I think we have this every year.  TVB wants to show The Oscars live, but the rules say that TVB Pearl has to show educational programs from 12 noon, just as the big awards are being handed out on in Los Angeles.

This year TVB has been making a big fuss because Ang Lee might win the ‘Best Director’ award and they would not be able to show this live.  Which, of course, would be a Bad Thing.  Apparently.

Which is all very well, but (1) how many people are really watching TV in Hong Kong at this time of day?  How many of them want to watch The Oscars live?  Is it that important?  Isn’t it being shown live on Star Movies? 

If there really is a large potential audience, TVB have a very simple remedy – transmit the final hour or so of The Oscars on TVB Jade. I rather doubt that they will do that…