Western News Media Reporting on China's Growing Market for Books, Electronic Media

Two recent reports have examined China's burgeoning markets for books and electronic media:

• In "The World's Biggest Book Market" (registration required), the New York Times looks at China's enormous appetite for books. The article examines not only the enormous growth and profit potential in China's book industry, but also at the difficulties posed by rampant piracy, and strict government control over who is allowed to publish.
• In "China 'Ripe' for Media Explosion" the BBC looks at how China and Asia will be driving global media growth through 2008 and beyond. The respected U.K.-based news service notes that while the "continuing roll-out of new digital channels has boosted demand for quality content, creating significant opportunities for both Chinese and foreign content providers. . . authorities have tightened controls over foreign investment in TV production joint ventures." The report refers specifically to a notice recently issued by China's State Administration for Radio, Film, and Television restricting foreign participation in China's domestic television and film production.