TVB News World - Asian Entertainment News Daily

The circulation of news about TVB in turbulence over their artists and behind the scenes employees has been going on for some time now. In addition, the arguments and problems with 4 record companies over rights on singers have left TVB in such sticky situations. It is now rumoured that Mona Fong, the wife of Sir Run Run Shaw and deputy chairman of TVB, is furious and ordered the other 3 big managers, Stephen Chan, Norman Leung and Lee Bo On to resolve artists disputes and to try and persuade artists from leaving, more specifically Steven Ma!

The HK government has decided to agree to issue 3 free to air TV broadcasting licences next year. Existing TV companies will face more competition and tough times ahead. TVB internally have already had a fair amount of disputes. From sui sangs, fa dans and singers expressed interest to leave, senior management, producers and scriptwriters indicating job movement. Mona Fong has expressed her dissatisfaction with the recent goings on.

To prevent worsening, Mona aka Six Auntie has ordered 3 top managers to help resolve the situations. She has ordered to concentrate on 3 main areas and to resolve them as a matter of urgency. That is to prevent lowering morale of existing employees.

Firstly, she has ordered these top 3 managers, to resolve the situation of employees wanting to leave and to understand their situations. Another situation is resolve senior management dispute over pay and working hours. Finally, resolve the 4 recording companies’ situation and primarily to retain talent. Six Auntie has requested that it is important to try and retain actor Steven Ma from terminating his contract early to leave.

It is known that Six Auntie has noticed Steven Ma’s performance in the latest TV appearance, including series, ‘The Life and Times of a Sentinel’, hosting the programmes ‘Apprentice Chef’ and ‘Book of Words’. She recognised that Steven is professional and talented and has ordered manages to speak to Steven about his thoughts of leaving. There were rumours that during dinner with TVB executives, Steven showed passion towards his work and shred tears infront of Norman Leung. Steven hoped that management will see artist’s difficulties and encourage management to appreciate artists more.

Regarding Six Auntie’s actions, Steven accepted a telephone interview last night. He expressed that if Six Auntie words were true, he is very thankful of her and is happy. When asked if Steven shred tears at the dinner with managers, he replied: “That dinner was with artists and management, just like how it normally is. Lee Bo On and Norman Leung was there too. We ate and drank wine and chatted about things and how I felt about the company and that I hoped the company do things better.”

During the phone interview, Steven was asked if he was unhappy. He said: “I said to Norman that please don’t broadcast my series in less favourable times and during vacation season, I then got a bit emotion and teary!” Regarding if TVB shows sincerity, would Steven stay. He said: “I am now still filming for their series. Mr Chan did look for me but I have very busy and don’t have time off from filming. These things will require time to discussion and work out. Give me some time here! I need to think it through!” It is rumoured also that Stephen Chan has not yet responded to the senior management’s orders. He usually goes to church every Sunday but yesterday did not make an appearance.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: Elvina Chang @TVB News World