CHINA TOPIX

11/22/2024 10:20:08 am

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Netflix Services Expands in China

Netflix

As China's economy grows so as its investors, the well-known movie streaming site Netflix is planning to expand its services to China despite the country's censorship.

Netflix had talks with Wasu Media Holding, Alibaba Group Holding, BesTV New Media and other Chinese Media Companies.

Reed Hastings, Chief Executive of Netflix said in New York Times, said that that he considers this as a modest investment. However, he believes that they need to be cautious if they are going to pass the country's censorship.

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Netflix and Chinese authorities still need to sort out content censorship regulations. Episodes that are considered violent, sexual and offensive would not be shown to the public.

According to the Chinese government, shows like "Mad Men" and "The Simpsons" would not be allowed to be shown until after the season finale.

Wall Street Journal said that this was due to the government's screening delay for sex, violence and political material.

Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix, said that there are a lot of operational constraints in China which are different to other countries.

Sarandos explained that they don't have any operating partners in other countries. They have invested on original programming to supports their international expansions.

He also added that the company is aware that there are unique operating models that they haven't worked before but they are willing to figure this out for the Chinese government.

Anne Marie Squeo, Spokesperson of Netflix, said in an interview with Seattle Times that Netflix's expansion was based on its plans to reach more countries across the globe by 2016.

During the third quarter of 2014, Netflix's has gained two international subscribers domestically after its expansion in countries like Germany, France, Australia, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Belgium.

iResearch, a Shanghai-based internet consultant, said that with Netflix on the Chinese market scene it could be expected a 90 billion yuan ($15 billion) growth  on online TV by 2018 in the country.

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