The Growth of Cable Television in China: Tensions between Local and Central Government

Abstract

This article traces the growth of cable television in China from its origins as a community antenna intended to extend the reach of over-the-air broadcasting to its current status as a major urban infrastructure for the origination and distribution of television programming. Since 1990 central government has attempted to control and guide the development of cable TV by issuing regulations and directives concerning advertising, reception and distribution of international satellite signals, competition with over-the-air broadcasters, overbuilding and programme censorship. In each case, however, the commercial imperatives driving cable development at the local and provincial levels are in direct conflict with the political objectives of the central government.