Quality the watchword for Shanghai's new TV channels

TWO new TV channels will be launched on New Year's Day, the Shanghai Media Group said yesterday.

The International Channel Shanghai (ICS) and the Art Channel will replace the original Music Channel, Opera Channel and Entertainment Arts Channel, and are targeted at a sophisticated audience, including the city's foreign expatriates, officials said.

"We have reorganized our resources to present a more diversified and tasteful broadcasting scheme for the new year," said Li Ruigang, president of the group. Li said some entertainment shows would be shelved to elevate the group's quality broadcasting.

As Shanghai's first English-language TV channel, ICS will cater to foreign viewers, students and white-collar workers.

All of its programs covering lifestyles, culture, travel, sports and business in China will be aired in English or Japanese with Chinese subtitles.

Additionally, every night the channel will present the original version of international movies and TV shows such as "Project Runway" and "The Amazing Race." "The channel's fashionable and entertaining content will be a good match for the city's dynamic style," Li added.

The Art Channel will feature programs on traditional music, folk culture, art and Chinese opera. On the channel's opening day, the Berlin Philharmonic's New Year concert will be broadcast live. SMG has signed a three-year deal to show the concert live. It will be on at 12:15am on January 1.

The Berlin Philharmonic, founded in 1882, is one of the world's most famous orchestras. Simon Rattle will conduct Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and melodies from Borodin's opera "Prince Igor."