China Media Monitor Headlines Archives

Hong Kong's Phoenix TV will cooperate with mainland China's Nanfang Publishing Group on news publishing and new media development, according to a strategic cooperative agreement signed on December 4. Both parties will also work together on branding and international market development. To start the cooperation, both sides plan to exchange reports, co-produce video programs and launch market surveys.

Sony Group CEO Howard Stringer discussed copyright protection of music, film and DVDs in China during a recent meeting with Yan Xiaohong, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP). Yan Xiaohong indicated that China is willing to cooperate with international corporations on copyright protection, as this will help to further the local entertainment industries. Stringer said he expects Sony to increase its cooperation with mainland companies but expressed concerns over the impact of government censorship.

Eight mainland film producers and distributors have signed a pact to release realistic and genuine box office statistics for all films due to premiere over the busy Christmas/Chinese New Year season, according to Chinese Business News. The films covered by the pact include A Simple Noodle Story (Sanqiang Paian Jingqi), Bodyguards and Assassins (Shiyue Weicheng), Storm Warrior II (Feng Yun II), Confucius (Kongzi), 14 Blades (Jin Yiwei), Treasure Hunter (Ci Ling), 72 Renters (Qishier Jia Zuke) and True Legend (Su Qier). The pact comes after Astro Boy's mainland distributor Enlight Media was caught releasing inflated box office figures for the film at a November press conference.

Leading mainland production company Enlight Media plans to list on China’s Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) next year, CEO Wang Changtian told National Business Daily. He said Enlight will not include its new subsidiary Enlight Pictures in the listing.

Leading online shopping site Taobao announced it had formed a strategic partnership with Hangzhou cable TV operator Wasu on December 2, according to a report on Sina. Under the terms of the agreement, Wasu viewers will be able to purchase goods from Taobao via the channel. The channel will also cooperate with Koubei.com, a Taobao subsidiary site featuring lifestyle content such as listings, reviews and content.