In yet another example of China’s technology surpassing that of the U.S., China’s former “Ma Bell” telecom announced it is developing technology to allow people to request previously-aired TV episodes and films over the internet. The move is equivalent to Verizon offering re-runs of Friends on demand via an internet service. According to industry analysts, there is projected to be a large upsurge in this arena…
"After China opened movie and TV program production a month ago, Sony, Viacom, News Group, Disney and other foreign firms have stepped up investment in this sphere. Market analysts predicted that there would be nearly one billion yuan of foreign venture capital coming to The Chinese media industry in 2005, with movie and TV program production to become the most likely recipient."
Unfortunately, this new service will not include syndication of any American content, but it does mark an increase in Chinese demand for video content, and it is a definite sign that the market-driven economics is gathering momentum in China’s media industry. The future may bear fruit for domestic and foreign investors.
Posted By: James Li