BBC GRANTED LICENCE TO BROADCAST IN CHINA

BBC World, the BBC’s 24-hour international news and information channel, have been granted a licence to broadcast in China for the first time by the Chinese State Administration for Radio, Films and Television.
Following the granting of the licence, BBC World have also signed their most significant hotel distribution deal to date and their first in China with the China International TV Corporation (CITV).
The granting of the licence to BBC World follows on from Rupert Gavin, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide’s visit to China in 1999. The visit resulted in the first-ever video deal for BBC Worldwide in China, for ‘People’s Century’, the BBC’s landmark factual series, and paved the way for the establishment of long-term relationships with partners in the country. Gavin visited China in 1999 with other television executives as part of a Government trade mission led by Culture Secretary Chris Smith.
Gavin said: “We are delighted that BBC World has been granted a licence in China and to have signed this agreement with CITV. This represents the most important distribution deal for hotel rooms we have finalised to date, given the huge potential for growth of the Chinese hotel market. Not only that, but this agreement gives BBC World a foothold in China for the first time and will, we hope, lead to further distribution opportunities and expansion in the country.”
The agreement between BBC World and CITV, allows for the distribution of the channel to three to five star hotels, guesthouses and foreign apartments throughout China. Initially, the agreement will give BBC World access to in the region of 60,000 hotel rooms, located in all the country’s major cities, with potential for further expansion in line with the anticipated growth in the Chinese hotel and tourism industry.
In addition to BBC World’s global news, documentary, current affairs and lifestyle programming, viewers in China will be able to enjoy the channel’s new regional business programme, Asia Business Report. Broadcast four times each weekday, the programme offers the latest business, economic, share and market news from Asia, together with interviews with leading business figures making the headlines in the region. (CD)