China's first pay TV channel to open soon
( 2003-11-03 22:33) (Xinhua)
China's first digital pay TV channel focusing on
hair dressing, body building, costume and etiquette is expected to open on
January 1, 2004, in Jiangsu Province, east China.
The TV channel, dubbed "Liangzhuang (Beautification)", will include news and
information, special reports, interactive programs, and dramas.
It has signed agreements with a dozen domestic and international TV channels
such as French "Fashion TV", according to Xu Chengyong, head in charge of
preparations for the new TV channel.
As pay TV is still new to China, the "Liangzhuang" channel is likely to
become profitable by the end of 2005, Xu said.
The government has encouraged the development of pay TV channels, as part of
its effort to reform the country's TV industry. According to the government
plan, by 2005 digital pay TV channels will be opened in big cities, with a total
of 30 million viewers.
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