Zee signs deal with China Central Television

Mumbai, Sept 18 (UNI) Zee Network has signed an agreement with Beijing-based China Central Television, authorising use and transmission of each other's news and other programmes on their respetive networks.

Zee Network and CCTV will enhance cooperation in production, including TV dramas, films and feature programmes, a Zee statement today said, adding the exchange of dramas and programmes will be mainly based on purchase. Both sides shall take care of all copyright obligations for all programmes to be provided to the other party.

Mr Mukund Cairae, Head, Asia Pacific, Zee Network said, '' China is an important market and we are optimistic about audience response there. This initiative is a step towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China.

Jointly the populations of India and China total a third of the world population. With interactions such as these, we will responsibly make our populations aware of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Asia.'' '' We will not be charging licensing fees from each other for news programmes. This contract is valid for two years and is extendable on mutual agreement,'' Mr Cairae added.

CCTV President Huayong Zhao said, '' Such interactions will facilitate better understanding between the people of China and India and pave the way for future cooperation between our two countries.'' In addition to content-sharing agreement, China TV week will be held in India and India TV week in China with hosts from both sides appearing on TV together in the same TV week. As part of the TV week, both sides agree to broadcast each other's programmes half hour per day, seven days in series, Zee said.

CCTV International (CCTV-9) is the English language 24-hour news channel of China Central Television, China's largest national TV network.

Launched on September 25, 2000, CCTV International reports news and information to its global audience, with a special focus on China. Covering the world via six satellites, its programmes can be seen by 45 million subscribers outside China.

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