ABC secures broadcasting rights in China which could see political shows broadcast live
ABC International and its Australia Network have announced a long-term partnership with China’s second biggest broadcaster Shanghai Media Group that will see the public broadcaster sell programming into the world’s biggest television market.
The ABC is one of the first Western networks to secure such a deal which, according to the statement, comes with the support of media authorities of the Chinese Government in Shanghai.
“This historic agreement opens up a whole new world of television and online cooperation between Australia and China,” said Mark Scott managing director of the ABC. “It provides a truly unique window for all Australian media to build a friendly and mutually cooperative relationship with China.”
The detailed agreement to formalise the arrangement is to be signed in Shanghai on May 4 and will see ABC International establish an online portal for its content in China that will allow a range of ABC and other Australian media content and services to be offered and presented to partner Chinese media organisations.
Looks like the ABC has snookered the Coalition’s call to abolish this service or to give it to Rupert Murdoch. The Chinese would take a very dim view if suddenly Murdoch was running it and would see it as a massive breach of faith. And congratulations to the ABC for its Q&A episode in China. The clear reticence of the Chinese guests displayed the air of censorship pervading China but it was a positive small leap for a more open media in China.