TVB stars woo stranded actors

HONG KONG - TVB stars including Myolie Wu, Moses Chan and Nancy Sit appeared on video on a TVB programme on Tuesday to welcome back ex-colleagues left homeless after start-up operator Hong Kong Television Network lost its bid to get a TV licence.

The invitation was issued on Scoop, a current affairs talk show, which carried phone numbers for the stars including Felix Wong and Maggie Cheung Ho Yee to call to get a job. HKTV had sacked 320 staff after it was denied a licence last week.

TVB also clarified that no blacklists exist that bar outspoken stars who had criticised the broadcaster from returning. Some actors had griped about long working hours and unsatisfactory working conditions at TVB.

Apple Daily Hong Kong, however, called TVB's gesture "overdone" and an attempt to hardsell its upcoming shows. Online, some netizens said it was simply trying to get the stars back at a low price.

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