{"product_id":"chinese-television-and-soft-power-in-africa-9781032328836","title":"Chinese Television and Soft Power in Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book explores the growth of StarTimes, a Chinese pay-TV company with 30 million subscribers in 20 African countries, combining entertainment with Chinese state programming and providing new indigenous language channels and access to television in rural areas. It examines how StarTimes fits into China's development assistance programs, its structure as a private company financed by Chinese banks, and how it is perceived by media professionals in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. The book demonstrates how StarTimes contributes significantly to African development while enhancing China's international image. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 134 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18 August 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Taylor \u0026amp; Francis Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis captivating book delves into the remarkable expansion of StarTimes, a Chinese pay-TV company, over the past few years. With a subscriber base of around 30 million and a reach spanning 20 African countries, StarTimes has emerged as a major player in the satellite television industry. What sets this broadcaster apart is its unique approach to content, combining entertainment such as Chinese drama and Kung Fu content dubbed into African languages with Chinese state programming. This combination makes the station not only a source of entertainment but also serves as a powerful tool for public diplomacy, reaching demographic groups that traditional Western television providers may have overlooked.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to its entertainment offerings, StarTimes has made significant strides in expanding access to television in rural areas and sponsoring African soccer brands. The book takes a comprehensive look at StarTimes, examining its role in China's development assistance programs, its structure as a private company financed by Chinese banks, and the perceptions of media professionals in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. Through extensive interview research, the book sheds light on how StarTimes contributes to African development while also enhancing China's international image.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key findings of the book is that StarTimes' expansion is driven by a combination of commercial interests and a genuine commitment to promoting African development. The company recognizes the vast potential of the African market and has tailored its content and services to meet the specific needs and preferences of local audiences. This approach has earned StarTimes a loyal following and has helped it establish a strong presence in the region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother notable aspect of StarTimes' expansion is its sensitivity to local concerns. The company understands that cultural and linguistic differences can pose challenges to the success of its operations in different African countries. As a result, StarTimes has made efforts to adapt its content and programming to resonate with local audiences, incorporating African languages and local customs into its offerings. This has not only increased the popularity of the station but has also helped to build trust and goodwill among local communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStarTimes' expansion has also had a positive impact on African economies. The company has created job opportunities and has contributed to the growth of the media and entertainment industry in the region. This has led to the development of new talent and the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding between China and Africa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of StarTimes' expansion into African markets. It highlights the company's unique approach to content, its commitment to promoting African development, and its sensitivity to local concerns. Through its extensive research and analysis, the book demonstrates how StarTimes contributes to the growth of both China and Africa, while also enhancing the international image of both countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 421g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 234 x 156 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781032328836\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Angela Lewis","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44599434674426,"sku":"9781032328836","price":147.56,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1696008286766_book.jpg?v=1696328622","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/chinese-television-and-soft-power-in-africa-9781032328836","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}