Television Broadcasts Ltd., Hong Kong's dominant broadcaster, has come under attack on social media for its alleged pro-Beijing bias in the coverage of recent political protests in the city, with campaigners urging companies to pull their commercials.
Organizers of the drive have managed to score at least one win. Sports drink brand Pocari Sweat, owned by Japanese health care company Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., said it has withdrawn its advertisement from the channel, making it an instant favorite of protesters.
A spokesman for Otsuka said a "periodic review of the advertising budget" and an assessment of the "sales impacts from use of different media outlets" weighed on its decision to pull commercials from TVB.