New foreign-owned TV channels will be banned from entering China and expansion plans of existing channels will be blocked, effectively thwarting Disney's China entry plans and expansion bids by Viacom, state media reported. The new rules are aimed at increasing supervision of the industry to "prevent harmful programs from entering [China]," according to Xinhua. Foreign companies with mass broadcasting rights include News Corp, Viacom's MTV, News Corp-supported Phoenix Satellite Television Co, Hong Kong-based Tom Group-Time Warner and all broadcasting in Guangdong province. Analysts said Chinese media is traditionally more a propaganda tool than an entertainment medium and authorities are concerned about expanding foreign TV programs. They speculated on possible relaxation after the 2008 Olympics.
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