China’s CCTV chooses London for European broadcast HQ

13/03/2008

China Central Television (CCTV) has joined the growing hub of media companies based in London. The largest broadcaster in China, CCTV has now started operations from new studios in Camden, north London.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government’s international business development organisation, worked with Think London, the foreign direct investment agency for London to sell the benefits of locating in London to CCTV.

London is already well-known as a worldwide broadcasting centre with many international broadcasting and media companies having a base in the capital. They are attracted by a highly-skilled and flexible workforce and the excellent connections that London can boast.

Mr. Zhao Hua Yong, President of CCTV said today: “In this day and age countries around the world hold lavish Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations: there's the Grand Parade in London’s Trafalgar Square, flower floats in Amsterdam, the Eiffel Tower decked with Chinese Red. Each celebration reflects the close bonds China has with these European countries: ties that are political, economic and cultural.

“CCTV Europe will be the eye-witness, the communicator and promoter of these developing relations. With the wide and ever-evolving exchanges between China and the United Kingdom, CCTV Europe, with its headquarters in London, will be the messenger between the two countries. We thank UKTI and Think London for their kind support and assistance in making CCTV Europe a reality.”

Lord Digby Jones, Minister for Trade & Investment, said: “Television companies are global firms with an international reach. This move symbolises the growing relationship between the UK and China. With the Beijing Olympics this year and the London Olympics in 2012, the opening of this broadcasting centre is not just good commercial sense; it is good cultural sense.”

Michael Charlton, Chief Executive Think London said: “London is the premier broadcasting centre and a natural gateway to Europe. CCTV’s decision to establish themselves in London highlights their status as a global player in the industry. The new London operation also showcases the world class technical skills and infrastructure needed to support the broadcast sector which are all on offer in London and played a major part in their decision to set up their European Headquarters in Europe.”

Staff from UKTI, Think London and commercial staff in China spent months working with CCTV identifying and meeting their requirements. They assessed their property options and, importantly, made use of their high level Local Government connections to ensure that CCTV were able to take occupation of their chosen facility within their allotted timeline. The agencies also introduced CCTV managers to Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries.