New China Satellite Rule Becomes Effective
 
December 24, 2003
 

The Chinese government recently issued a new rule governing foreign satellite television broadcasts to China. “The Measurement of Foreign Satellite Television Channel Landing Management” was promulgated by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China (SARFT) on December 4, 2003, and becomes effective on January 10, 2004. The rule permits foreign satellite programs to be broadcast into certain areas of China and sets forth specific requirements and procedures for broadcasters to follow.

The areas where broadcasting of foreign programs will be permitted include three-star hotels or above, three-star hotels which provide foreign services, and those office buildings or residential areas specifically designated for foreigners. The rule sets forth specific requirements and procedures that program providers must follow. For example, a foreign broadcaster must cooperate with a Chinese partner that has been approved by SARFT. Further, applications for broadcasting will only be reviewed annually, in July, August and September, so applications submitted in October will not be reviewed until July of the following year.

Despite these restrictions and limitations, the rule is encouraging because the Chinese government has laid out specific requirements and procedures for applicants to follow. The new rules, unlike past rules, are relatively clear. As a result, applicants will no longer be forced to use “back doors” or Guanxi (connections) in order to make things happen. The new rules should also simplify the old bureaucratic application process. Even though several major western networks, such as CNN, BBC and Fox News, have already broadcast programs to the major five-star hotels in China, the revised rule opens the door for those companies who wish to begin similar broadcasts to lesser grade hotels and other designated facilities.