MUMBAI: The Zee Network today announced an agreement with Beijing based China Central Television, China's largest national TV network.

China Central Television has licensed to Zee Network, the use of news and other programs from CCTV International (CCTV-9). They have also authorised Zee to pick up their signals and transmit it over the Zee Network. Zee Network in turn will license to China Central Television the use of its news and programs. Both the networks will exchange news programmes, documentaries and feature programs introducing each other's culture, history, geography, economy, etc. for telecast.
It was in July that Indiantelevision.com first reported that Zee was planning to enter China.

Zee Network and CCTV will enhance cooperation in program production including television dramas, films and feature programs. The exchange of television dramas and programs will be mainly based on purchase. Both sides shall take care of all copyright obligations for all programs to be provided to the other party.

Speaking on the signing of this agreement, Mukund Cairae, Head - Asia Pacific, International Business, said, "We are very pleased to announce this agreement with China Central Television. China is an important market and we are optimistic about audience response there. This initiative is a step towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China. Jointly the populations of India and China total a third of the world population. With interactions such as these, we will responsibly make our populations aware of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Asia."

Adding further he said, "We will not be charging licensing fees from each other for news programs. This contract is valid for two years and is extendable on mutual agreement."

CCTV president Huayong Zhao said, "Interactions such as these will facilitate better understanding between the people of China and India and will pave the way for future cooperation between our two countries."

In addition to this content sharing agreement, China TV week will be held in India and India TV week in China with television hosts from both sides appearing on TV together in the same TV week. As part of the TV week, both sides agree to broadcast each other's programs half hour per day, seven days in series.