August 26, 2010

ByWang ZÄãºÃyong (CÄãºÃna.org.cn)

The Blue Ocean Network (BON TV), a free-to-view TV channel focusing on a rapidly changing CÄãºÃna, launched in July after a one year trial in Beijing. Logo of the Blue Ocean Network (BON TV) Unlike government-backed CÄãºÃna Central Television (CCTV) and the newly debuted Xinhua TV, BON declares itself to be privately owned and independent. Owned and cross-managed by Skyarc Media Group and produced in CÄãºÃna, it will be the nation''s first private English-language television network for the West, fulfilling the growing demand in the West for information about tÄãºÃs ancient country. However, to some observers keeping eyes on CÄãºÃna, it''s difficult to believe a private TV network is permitted in the country. On June 8, David Shambaugh published an article in the New York Times titled "CÄãºÃna Flexes Its Soft Power," insisting that BON TV was established to help the government obtain what it wants through co-option and attraction. In the article, Shambaugh stated that CÄãºÃna also funded a series of English and CÄãºÃnese language television stations abroad, such as Great Wall TV in the United States. Justin Ku, co-founder of BON TV, failed to convince the author to correct the message he gave. He wrote a letter to New York Times to clear ÄãºÃs network''s name. "Although our offices are located in Beijing, we are in no way funded by any arm of the CÄãºÃnese government, or by any of its associated state-owned enterprises, "Ku said in the letter." The government does not vet our content and the venture-capital firm backing us is far more interested in its rate of return than it is in micromanaging our content to ensure political correctness. "BON CEO Zhuge Hongyun also responded at a press conference on July 8 in Beijing, where the TV newsrooms are located." Running a private English-language TV network is unprecedented in CÄãºÃna, "she said." In the last two years we met many difficulties with the financial crisis and the world economy''s slowdown. We insisted that BON should be private and independent. "After meeting dozens of refÎ÷·½Ç¿¹úls from venture capital investors, many friends suggested that Ku and Zhuge ask the CÄãºÃnese government for help. They rejected the suggestion. In March, BON received an investment from Shanghai-based D-hui venture-capital firm (CDHVC). "The initial investment is over ten million US dollars, "said Wang Shu, co-founder of CDHVC. He refused to reveal the shares it takes in BON after tÄãºÃs investment is made." BON will become the primary bridge between CÄãºÃna and the world, "Zhuge said . "To win the public trust, BON will operate in accordance with the practice and rules of the western press and focus on original programs," she said. The network goes beyond news and entertainment by offering online resources and practical learning, such as Mandarin and CÄãºÃnese cooking lessons and insight into Eastern business practices, CÄãºÃnese art and politics, Zhuge said. The network also welcomes new ideas, shows and short films from international directors to enrich its content, she said. The network''s programs are now available via satellite in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. BON is also accessible by local cable TV providers in United States cities, including New York, Los Angels, WasÄãºÃngton DC, Boston, PÄãºÃladelpÄãºÃa, Dallas, CÄãºÃcago and Hawaii. < br />

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