[The Epoch Times, 22 Samhain, 2024](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Gao Hui) China’s economic downturn, along with the rise of auto media, has affected traditional TV media. According to the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council’s “Quarterly Report on Mainland Situation”, local TV stations in China, which have long relied on financial support from the government, are facing operational difficulties.
Mainland Chinese media have been called the mouthpiece of the authorities. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council’s “Quarterly Report on Mainland Situation” pointed out in October that the Chinese Communist Party’s official television media has long been restricted by information censorship and contains disturbing content, and events must large to be released uniformly by the government, it is difficult for the public to understand the truth at first, which has already raised public distress. With the rise of self-media in recent years, events happening in different places are spread through various social platforms, which has increased the ratings of news programs on local TV stations across China. worse, and related advertising revenue has also declined.
According to the “National Radio and Television Industry Statistical Bulletin 2023” issued by the State Administration of Radio and Television of the Communist Party of China, the advertising revenue of national television stations in 2023 will be 58.36 billion yuan, only about half of the 111.94 billion yuan in 2013.
Chinese TV stations have long relied on government financial support Now that local governments are strapped for cash, the Mainland Affairs Council said to reduce operating costs, some low-rated channels and programs must and to eliminate or cut popularity.
According to statistics, nearly 700 county-level TV stations in China have stopped broadcasting or closed down in 2023, and this trend is expanding Currently, nearly 2,000 county-level TV stations are at risk of bankruptcy . (Further reading:China’s 2,000 county-level TV stations are rumored to be facing bankruptcy, drawing attention)
The Mainland Affairs Council said that once these TV stations are bankrupt, it means that a large number of workers will face unemployment.
The Mainland Affairs Council pointed out that although Chinese TV stations are trying to integrate media in response to the development of the Internet (meaning the integration of traditional media such as newspapers, TV, and radio to advance with media technologies that are emerging such as websites, social). media, audio-visual platforms, and apps), the pace of production of news and specific topics remains slow.
The director of a county-level integrated media center in Mainland China revealed to the public account “Transformation Media People” earlier this year that county-level integrated media operations are “two inefficiencies and one waste”, and that is, ineffective work. of reporters and ineffective television communication, and all the results are a waste of financial money. There are more than 60 employees at the county media center where it is located, but it does not broadcast local news programs every day, and the ratings are almost zero.
The Mainland Affairs Council said that the slow economic situation in China has caused operational problems for local Chinese TV stations that have always relied on financial support from the government, however, the lack of competitive market awareness and innovative capabilities convention also made it difficult for them to transform successfully, and continued expansion Whether the closure of local TV stations and the wave of unemployment among allied workers weakened the influence of propaganda within the CCP and control capabilities social deserve more attention
Editor-in-Chief: Lin Congwen #
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#economic #downturn #spread #country #stations #close #China #China #Economy
2024-11-22 06:47:00
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## World Today News: In Conversation – The Demise Of Chinese Local TV?
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the unfolding crisis facing local television stations across China. To shed light on this complex issue, we have two distinguished guests: Dr. Mei Ling, a specialist in Chinese media and communication at the University of Hong Kong, and Mr. Zhang Wei, a former executive at a prominent Chinese television network.
Welcome to both of you.
**Dr. Mei Ling:** Thank you for having me.
**Mr. Zhang Wei:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Section 1: The Economic Reality**
**Host:** Dr. Ling, the article mentions a significant decline in advertising revenue for Chinese television stations. Could you elaborate on the economic factors driving this trend?
**Dr. Mei Ling:** Absolutely. China’s economic slowdown has directly impacted the advertising market. Businesses are tightening their belts, and traditional media like TV are being hit harder than newer platforms. Additionally, the rise of self-media and social platforms provides advertisers with more targeted and cost-effective options.
**Host:** Mr. Zhang, you have extensive experience within the Chinese television industry. Can you speak to the reliance on government support that many local stations have traditionally enjoyed, and how this has been affected?
**Mr. Zhang Wei:** Local TV stations in China have long depended on government funding to stay afloat. But as provincial and local governments face budgetary constraints due to the economic downturn, this support is dwindling. This puts immense pressure on stations to become self-sufficient, which is proving incredibly difficult for many.
**Section 2: The Rise of New Media and Changing Consumption Habits**
**Host:** Dr. Ling, the article highlights the emergence of “self-media” and social platforms as competing forces in the news landscape. How has this shift in media consumption affected local TV stations?
**Dr. Mei Ling:** The rise of self-media and social platforms has fundamentally changed how people access information. News is now fragmented, instant, and personalized. Local TV, with its traditionally scheduled programming and focus on regional content, struggles to compete with the immediacy and diversity offered by these new platforms.
**Host:** Mr. Zhang, can local TV stations adapt to these changing trends? What strategies could they employ to regain relevance and attract viewers?
**Mr. Zhang Wei:** Adaptation is crucial. Local TV needs to embrace digital platforms, leverage social media, and prioritize online content creation. They need to offer engaging, interactive content that caters to the preferences of a younger, tech-savvy audience. Simply mimicking traditional formats won’t be enough.
**Section 3: The Implications for Information Control and Propaganda**
**Host:** Dr. Ling, the article raises concerns about the potential impact of local TV station closures on the Chinese Communist Party’s control over information. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Mei Ling:** The closure of local TV stations, while driven by economic factors, undoubtedly weakens the CCP’s grip on the information landscape. Local TV has traditionally served as a conduit for government propaganda at the regional level.
A decline in these stations could create a void that alternative, potentially more independent voices might fill.
**Host:** Mr. Zhang, from your perspective within the industry, do you see a possibility of increased media diversity and openness emerging from this crisis?
**Mr. Zhang Wei:** It’s a complex question. While the closures are undoubtedly a cause for concern, they could potentially create space for new, independent media outlets to emerge if the regulatory environment allows. However, it’s too early to predict whether this will lead to a more diverse and open media landscape.
**Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives on this crucial issue. The future of Chinese local television hangs in the balance, and its impact on the country’s media landscape and the flow of information remains to be seen.
