ABC and Shanghai Media Group sign co-operation agreement

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Shanghai Media Group (SMG) have signed a Co-operation Agreement which will provide the basis for a long term partnership between their international channels; Australia Network and International Channel Shanghai (ICS).

The Chairman of the ABC, Maurice Newman today formally inked the agreement with the President of SMG, Li Ruigang, at an official signing ceremony in Shanghai attended by the Australian Consul General, Tom Connor.

President of SMG, Li Ruigang said, "This is a significant agreement and it represents an ideal opportunity for SMG and the ABC to build a strong relationship into the future around the cultural aspects of television broadcasting. It will unquestionably lead to a greater knowledge and understanding between Australians and Chinese."

The agreement now positions the broadcasters with a wide range of international co-operation options from exchange of television programs, to providing mutual news gathering support and content supply, through to exploring international television program co-productions. Selected Australia Network programs will soon be seen on International Channel Shanghai, and Shanghai Media Group will have access to studio and production support in Australia immediately.