China TV Fair Reviews: Mission Accomplished
BEIJING --- The conclusion of the 1999 China TV Fair in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Saturday 19th June marked the completion of a project that had been criticized from many quarters, but which was without doubt the most professional presentation laid on by the domestic TV industry in 50 years.
In the absence of bold international players, this was essentially the domestic event originally promised and accurately represented the state of TV around most of China, although the southern provinces of Guangdong and Fujian were notable examples of well developed regions that failed to make a big splash at the program market.
The same cannot be said of CCTV, BTV or the Shanghai TV Bureau, all of which mounted major exhibitions, in Shanghai's case incorporating stands for the major broadcasters and production houses such as Shanghai Paradise Group. As a result, new CCTV President Zhao Huayong and Shanghai Bureau Chief Ye Zhikang featured prominently in the opening speeches.
Reports of problems facing RFT Vice Minister Tong Xiangrong were fuelled by his absence at the Opening Ceremony and subsequent meetings, his place filled by Deputy Minister Li Shuwen.
Involvement from the Asian region was much as expected with Hong Kong broadcasters TVB and ATV among the specially invited guests. Special prominence was given to the Director General of Macao TV which has enjoyed good relations with capital broadcaster BTV and which is slated to become part of the People's Republic of China at the end of this year.
Also evident at special events for VIPs hosted by Beijing TV were TBS Tokyo as well as several representatives from South Korea and other Asian countries, including Malaysia and Thailand. Singapore was represented by TCS CEO Lee Cheok Yew and by Jonathan Hallett, Publishing Director of Television Asia and Chairman of Judges of the Asian TV Awards.
Eastern Europe was headed by a delegation from Moscow TV while, as described in CMM, recent events in Yugoslavia had a direct and negative effect on western involvement. ESPN and Viacom (MTV) were the only major US brands with exhibition presence on the sales floor, while western European involvement was limited to one stand operated by the Chinese-owned Young Asia Organization based in France.
Even the evening gala performance (which included live satellite links with Shanghai, Gansu and Jilin) was limited in its scope for international entertainment, the Director finally opting for a clarinet solo from the Danish ambassador and an unknown song by less known Swedish pop group.
While international players were keeping a low profile when it came to exhibitions, a number of organizations had representatives at the Fair or were conducting meetings away from the exhibition center. Other foreign companies with representatives in town last week included News Corp., Cinar (Canada), Media Groupings (Singapore), Producers International Network (Germany).