Australia’s ABC Gains Access in China

SYDNEY: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has secured a landmark deal to make its content more available in China through Shanghai Media Group.

Under the new pact, ABC International will establish an online portal in China that will offer a range of content and services from ABC and other Australian outfits. This content will be presented to partner Chinese media organizations. The agreement also enables the ABC to establish a base in Shanghai, with official approval to represent and distribute content across China, enter into international co-productions and generate international sponsorship and promotion opportunities.

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

“International Channel Shanghai last week broadcast a week of Australian TV programs provided by the ABC and Australia Network to coincide with Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit. Q&A’s live broadcast in China was the first open interactive public comment style program broadcast live from China to Australia. The success of last week and the future under this agreement will help build understanding between China and Australia.”

Sun Wei, the executive director of the Shanghai Media Group’s International Channel Shanghai, said: “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.

“Groundbreaking international broadcasts such as Q&A, which was produced as a collaboration between Australian and Chinese television crews, pave the way for bigger and better international media cooperation and cultural connections in the future.”

Lynley Marshall, the CEO of ABC International, added: “This agreement will enable us 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 our media.

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