Traditional media like newspapers and television are being forced to confront a new reality as online services become increasingly important. Here’s Minhoe Kim on how some Chinese companies are adapting to the new media landscape.



Report

[SLUG]
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

This is Qianjiang Evening News, one of the daily newspapers for Zhejiang Province, China.

While the paper currently has more than 800,000 subscribers, the company is experiencing first-hand the changes in the media environment.


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Advertising earnings drop

As more and more people use their mobile devices and computers to read articles and search for information, advertising earnings have dropped considerably.


To overcome this new crisis, the company is seeking new profit models. One of their ideas, currently in trial, is developing news apps for mobile device users.


Interview
Pyeongyeo / Deputy editor-in-chief, Qianjiang Evening News
Our newspaper is expanding into internet-based media to create new markets.
평예//전강완보 부편집장
“우리는 신문사이지만,인터넷과 매체를 결합하여 새로운시장을 만들어 나아갈겁니다.”


Last year, the paper was able to make up for its losses thanks to online advertising.

And now, Qianjiang Evening News is planning to start charging fees for reading articles.


Other Chinese broadcasters are also looking for new business opportunities.

Zhejiang Television has exchanged contents with Korean broadcasters and provided services for cable and satellite television networks, internet protocol television, and telecommunications.


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New businesses: internet, IPTV, TV shopping, rental services

The firm has recently expanded its areas of business to cover internet services, shopping, and rental services.


70% of total profits come from broadcasting and telecommunications, with the remaining 30% coming from growth in new areas.


Interview
Gujung / Rep. Zhejiang Television
70% of profits come from traditional sectors and 30% come from new businesses areas.
<구중/절강방송국 국제부 부국장>
"우리 회사 주요 수입은 광고70%를 차지하고 30%는 제2의 사업 소득입니다."


With the traditional media environment experiencing a rapid rate of change,

[Reporter] Minhoe Kim
[Camera] Hyeon Gwang-hoon


Chinese media companies are combining with new media and diversifying their businesses to expand beyond their traditional roles.


Minhoe Kim, KCTV