Time difference not an issue for promoting Paris Games, says John Lee

The six-hour time difference between Paris and Hong Kong will not be an issue in promoting the 2024 Olympics, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said as he stressed the government’s purchase of the broadcasting rights this time is a special arrangement and won’t become a regular practice. 

Lee announced on Tuesday that the SAR government has purchased the broadcasting rights of the Paris Olympics and citizens can watch the games for free on RTHK, TVB, ViuTV, and HOY TV. 

When asked how authorities can ensure the economic efficiency, Lee admitted there are different matters to be dealt with in each Olympics and the time zone for the Paris Games will make promotions more difficult compared the Tokyo Games. 

He continued there are plenty of ways to promote the Paris Games in Hong Kong despite the time difference, like the agreements will require TV stations to play a certain hours of the related shows and match replays for citizens to stay in touch. 

The government will promote the Games on social media as well in hope of pushing all effects to the maximum. 

“During the World Cup, football fans will use their own ways to find the time and proactively watch the games live despite the time difference,” Lee said. 

Lee noted that the major consideration for him was the positive effect of doing the free broadcast comparing to the negative effect of not doing it, as well as the worthiness. 

Lee also believes citizens have high hopes for the Paris Games after experiencing the joyous Tokyo Games three years ago and the government’s move is to answer to citizens’ overwhelming expectations. 

The Hong Kong leader said local athletes are proactively preparing for the Paris Games and the Paralympic Games, opening on July 26 and August 28, respectively. 

As of last month, Hong Kong athletes in five sport categories have obtained qualified in 15 events for the Olympics and in 12 events for the Paralympics.