Deal opens Australian content channel for Chinese audiences

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has struck a deal that will allow media in China easier access to its content.

The ABC says its deal with the Shanghai Media Group – with support from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV – is due to be signed on 4 May 2014 in Shanghai.

ABC International will establish an online portal in China through which a range of ABC and other Australian media content and services can be offered and presented to partner Chinese media organisations. 

The arrangement also enables the ABC to establish a base in Shanghai with official approval to represent and sell media content across China, enter into international co-productions, and generate international sponsorship and promotional opportunities.

ABC Managing Director Mark Scott says: “This historic agreement opens up a whole new world of television and online cooperation between Australia and China. It provides a truly unique window for all Australian media to build a friendly and mutually cooperative relationship with China.”

Mr Sun Wei, the Executive Director of the Shanghai Media Group’s International Channel Shanghai, says: “The Shanghai Media Group is China’s second largest media organization and its recent restructure ensures we are looking to further build our international media partnerships.”

He says recent ABC programs from China paved the way for bigger and better international media cooperation and cultural connections in the future.

Ms Lynley Marshall, the CEO of ABC International, says the agreement will enable them to put the full range of Australia Network programming and content from other Australian media into China and for China to connect more closely with [Australian] media.

“Most importantly, the agreement will provide opportunities for the promotion of Australian business, tourism, entertainment, culture and education,” she says.