China: Own media group to improve image
The Chinese government wants to set up its own media group for several billion dollars along the lines of Western companies such as News Corp. or Time Warner. This is primarily intended to improve the image of the People's Republic abroad.
According to the Communist Party's plans, various companies from the fields of culture, entertainment and news will be united under one corporate umbrella. The holding company would be subject to the rules of the market, as reported by the New York Times. The companies are to be given the opportunity to launch projects with the help of private investors - both for the domestic market and for export. According to Spiegel Online, experts assume that this will also include the news business. In the recent past, Beijing has gradually expanded state television to include English-language programs and productions aimed at audiences outside of China.
