Chongqing Tightens Online Video Regulations
Economic Times, 11/17/09
The Chongqing Administration of Culture, Radio and Television announced yesterday that, from now until June 15, 2010, municipal authorities will carry out a sweep of unlicensed online video websites as part of its "Internet Audiovisual Programming Service Approval System." As of yesterday, any company or individual seeking to set up a website featuring audiovisual services must possess an Online Audio-Visual Broadcasting License. As of March 1, 2010, any entity without a license which refuses to cease broadcasting audiovisual content will be blacklisted according to regulations.
Director Liu Chuanming of the administration's Public Radio and Television Administration Department explained that if a website provides content such as films, television series, or cartoons, speeches including interviews and lectures, variety content, sports, entertainment, or breaking news, or user-uploaded digital video content, it must apply for a license.
In addition, starting now, any company or individual planning to create a new website offering audiovisual content must have at least RMB 10 mln in registered capital and a staff of 20 or more employees.
More than 170 Chongqing-based websites have applied for the license so far, but to date only four have received licenses.
"This system will have no direct impact on audiovisual material uploaded to blogs or community sites like Qzone," Liu said. Citing a Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) blog as an example, he added that if a blogger uploaded content to his Netease blog, it would be covered by Netease's license.
Keywords: Chongqing Administration of Culture Radio and Television Liu Chuanming government policy content Internet online video Online Audio-Visual Broadcasting License regulation
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