26 June 2015
Australia’s public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and one of Asia’s leading media companies, MediaCorp, have signed a partnership agreement between their international platforms.
The agreement was signed in Singapore on 26 June 2015 and sees both companies exploring opportunities for future programme and content exchange and co-production between its various platforms on television, radio and online. The cooperation includes providing news talent for live crosses and the exchange of news footage between Australia Plus TV and the partnership is applicable to regional broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and MediaCorp’s other language channels as well as radio stations. The journalism is also applicable to the whole array of media properties that both companies own, from traditional free-to-air platforms to digital entities.
In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, media organisations have to constantly seek partnerships and evolve to provide the best content for their audiences. Having a rich and diverse source of content is one way to ensure continued relevancy and access to news whenever it happens in the world.
CEO of ABC International, Ms Lynley Marshall, said: “Channel News Asia sets a benchmark for quality international broadcasting across Asia. As we extend and enrich our content and services to audiences across the region, we are delighted to have reached an agreement that will enable both companies to leverage our respective knowledge, content and platforms.”
MediaCorp’s Head of News and Premier, Ms Debra Soon, added, “With pressure on news organisations to stay relevant, report faster, expand our digital offerings and meet our competitors head on, media organisations, need to find ways to work together without compromising our business objectives or standards. We look forward to working with ABC to explore how we can do so.”
Channel NewsAsia, an English language Asian TV news channel, was established by MediaCorp in 1999 and is now viewed in 26 territories across Asia. ABC International manages the digital and social media brand Australia Plus, including AustraliaPlus.cn, as well as the 24/7 subscription television service Australia Plus TV which is available in 40 countries across the Asia Pacific region.
22 April 2014
ABC International and its Australia Network have further strengthened and expanded the long term international relationship with China’s media powerhouse, the Shanghai Media Group, with support from the media authorities of the Chinese Government in Shanghai.
On the back of the Australian Government’s Australia Week in China trade mission, ABC International and the Australia Network have struck an international multi-platform media cooperation arrangement supported by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV. The detailed agreement to formalize the arrangement is slated to be signed in Shanghai on May 4.
Through the cooperation, ABC International will establish an online portal in China through which a range of ABC and other Australian media content and services can be offered and presented to partner Chinese media organisations.
The arrangement also enables the ABC to establish a base in Shanghai with official approval to represent and sell media content across China, enter into international co-productions, and generate international sponsorship and promotional opportunities.
“This historic agreement opens up a whole new world of television and online cooperation between Australia and China,” ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said. “It provides a truly unique window for all Australian media to build a friendly and mutually cooperative relationship with China.”
“International Channel Shanghai last week broadcast a week of Australian TV programs provided by the ABC and Australia Network to coincide with Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s visit. Q&A’s live broadcast in China was the first open interactive public comment style program broadcast live from China to Australia. The success of last week and the future under this agreement will help build understanding between China and Australia.”
Mr Sun Wei, the Executive Director of the Shanghai Media Group’s International Channel Shanghai, said: “The Shanghai Media Group is China’s second largest media organization and its recent restructure ensures we are looking to further build our international media partnerships.
“Ground breaking international broadcasts such as Q&A, which was produced as a collaboration between Australian and Chinese television crews, pave the way for bigger and better international media cooperation and cultural connections in the future.”
Lynley Marshall, the CEO of ABC International, said: “This agreement will enable us to put the full range of Australia Network programming and content from other Australian media into China and for China to connect more closely with our media”.
“Most importantly, the agreement will provide opportunities for promotion of Australian business, tourism, entertainment, culture and education”. (Source: Press release)
