Australia Network in China broadcast talks

PHOTO

ABC managing director Mark Scott says China had put views about specific Australia Network programs. [ABC]

Last Updated: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:14:00 +1100

ABC managing director, Mark Scott, says the organisation is still in talks about broadcasting the international television service, Australian Network, into China.

Speaking at a Senate estimates committee in Canberra, Mr Scott also said he would find out more about a recent Australian newspaper claim that the ABC has run pro-Chinese military propaganda in a series of documentaries produced by a company founded by a senior Chinese official.

Restrictions on western broadcasts into China have precluded the Australian Network being broadcast there and negotiations with Chinese officials are continuing.

Mr Scott also told the committee while Chinese officials were not reluctant to provide a critique of western coverage, they had not put forward views about specific Australia Network programs.

"They certainly don't go through critiquing Australia Network programming," he said.

"They are speaking more generally about western coverage of issues like Tibet, western coverage of issues like that rather than a specific critique of the ABC."

Mr Scott has also pressed his case for an expansion of Australian international broadcasting and questioned why the national broadcaster should have to tender every five years to continue running the Australia Network television service.

Mr Scott put his case for expanded Australian international broadcasting, to create what he called an integrated radio and television brand, bringing Australia Network and Radio Australia closer together.

But Mr Scott says the tender process required by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Australian Network is a constraint by other public broadcasters like Britain's BBC.

"There are some disadvantages in arguing long-term sporting rights and satellite rights and other, and those 600 contracts that we have to deal with distributors when there's the instability that can come up around a tender basis," he said.

"But of course if we're asked to go to tender we will."