Vice-Premier Calls for Wider Radio, TV Coverage in Inland Regions

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 09, 2002

Vice-Premier Calls for Wider Radio, TV Coverage in Inland Regions

Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing Tuesday called for improved radio and TV coverage in remote western regions during an inspection of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
He urged those involved in radio and TV to improve the quality of their programs, with stress on higher moral, artistic and entertainment values.

Li Lanqing made the remarks during an inspection of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television in Beijing.

Expanding the radio and TV networks to the inland regions is of great importance in promoting economic development, social stability and ethnic harmony in the border regions, the vice-premier said.

He praised the administration's tremendous efforts and achievements in this regard over recent years. However, he said much more remains to be done.

Li also urged those involved in radio and TV to improve the quality of their programs, with stress on higher moral, artistic and entertainment values.

The vice-premier was accompanied on his inspection by Ding Guangen, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

State Radio, Film and Television Conglomerate Established

China Radio, Film and Television Group was formally established in Beijing on December 6, 2001.

The state level media conglomerate was formed by all the broadcasting stations and other companies and institutions of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), namely, China Central Television, China National Radio, China Radio International, China Film Group Corporation, China Radio and Television Transmission Network Corporation Limited, China Radio and Television Website.

The group has more than 20,000 staffs and holds a total of fixed assets valued at 21.4 billion yuan.

Sector not Opened Yet

According to WTO agreements, China has not promised to open the broadcasting and television sector and therefore forbidden foreign capital into the country's radio station, television station, broadcasting and television network and movie studios.

However, the country has allowed to import 20 foreign films every year and agreed foreign fund's participate in construction and management of cinema, introduction of foreign broadcasting and film programs, cooperation of program making, as well as installation of foreign satellite TV in relevant places.

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