Steven Chan Exposes TVB’s “Clique Culture” and Praises Commercial Radio’s Ah Ching

Former TVB general manager Stephen Chan recently opened up about the broadcaster’s entrenched internal politics and “fiefdom culture” during an appearance on the SpotiTalk podcast hosted by Wong Hoi, while also offering high praise for Commercial Radio rising star Ah Ching and reflecting on his high-profile seven-year legal battle.

The Bottom Line

• Internal Politics Confirmed: Stephen Chan admitted that departmental silos and loyalty cliques—such as bitter disputes between production and artist management over awards—are an undeniable reality within major broadcasting ecosystems like TVB.
• The Ah Ching Phenomenon: Chan singled out Commercial Radio’s Ah Ching for her sharp wit, distinct personal branding, and high likability, contrasting her rapid rise with traditional television talent barriers.
• Resilience After Crisis: Reflecting on his post-ICAC ordeal, Chan noted that while some immediate distancing occurred among colleagues safeguarding their careers, the majority of interpersonal interactions leaned toward professional empathy rather than malice.

Unpacking the Power Dynamics of Television Fiefdoms

Corporate politics in legacy media rarely get a public airing from someone who once held the keys to the kingdom. Speaking candidly on the SpotiTalk podcast, Stephen Chan addressed the structural friction that defines traditional television networks. While he noted that he was never directly embedded in day-to-day production or artist management, he didn’t mince words about the realities of internal division.

Chan pointed out that while familiarity within trusted production teams is natural, toxic fiefdoms emerge when department heads weaponize access. According to Chan, some senior executives explicitly warned actors against crossing production lines, threatening permanent blacklists if talent accepted work outside their designated clique.

The Myth of the Sharp Interview and Celebrity Paranoia

During his tenure hosting the hit interview program Be My Guest (志雲飯局), Chan frequently locked down high-profile celebrity guests, though the booking process was rarely straightforward. Addressing common industry perceptions that his interview style was aggressive, Chan pushed back against the reputation.

Here is the kicker: celebrity avoidance often stems from hearsay rather than reality. “She’s being a silly girl,” Chan laughed, noting that the format is simply a conversation.

Commercial Radio’s Agility Versus Legacy Constraints

Shifting focus to the current media landscape, Chan analyzed why newer platforms and rival stations like Commercial Radio are fostering fresh talent more effectively than legacy television models. He specifically highlighted disc jockey Ah Ching, whose reported earnings and massive listener engagement have made her a standout fixture in local broadcasting.

“How do I look at it? I’m envious,” Chan admitted with a smile, praising Ah Ching’s clear brand identity, unscripted spontaneity, and innate likability. He contrasted her trajectory with an unnamed female television artist from his past management days—someone he considered exceptionally stunning, yet whose mainstream ascent was stifled by industry optics and peer resistance.

Navigating Crisis and Corporate Fallout

The conversation inevitably touched upon Chan’s turbulent legal chapter following his Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) arrest and subsequent multi-year court battles. When asked about human nature during a crisis—whether colleagues scatter or show solidarity—Chan offered a pragmatic assessment.

“Both happened, but the light outweighed the darkness,” Chan reflected. He estimated that only a tiny fraction of acquaintances immediately distanced themselves, but emphasized that he harbored no hard feelings. In a high-stakes corporate environment where individuals must protect their own livelihoods, instant self-preservation is an entirely understandable reflex.

Media Landscape Comparison: Traditional TV vs. Modern Radio/Digital Platforms

Platform Domain	Talent Cultivation Style	Structural Challenge
Legacy Television (TVB Era)	Hierarchical, studio-driven, managed via strict departmental silos	Entrenched fiefdoms, internal award disputes, and risk-averse casting
Commercial Radio & Digital	Agile, personality-first, high spontaneous engagement	Rapid market shifts and intense competition for listener attention

The Takeaway for Modern Media Watchers

Chan’s reflections offer a rare, unvarnished look at the inner machinery of Hong Kong’s entertainment industry—proving that while technology and platforms shift toward streaming and digital audio, the human elements of ego, loyalty, and territorial politics remain entirely constant. As legacy media continues to adapt to an increasingly fragmented audience, transparency from industry veterans remains our best window into how broadcasting power actually operates.

Where do you stand on the evolution of local broadcasting? Does the nimble, personality-driven style of radio stars like Ah Ching point the way forward, or do traditional network structures still hold the upper hand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.