China eases investment regulations in television

But foreign investors, limited to “professional broadcasting companies” would not be able to work without a Chinese partner.

Two-thirds of programmes must use Chinese themes and news programmes remain forbidden.

“It’s not going to change the landscape for us,” said Hong Kong-based Disney official Lucien Harrington. He said the company has long been broadcasting cartoons and other programming on China’s airwaves.

‘‘But anything that makes access easier is welcomed,’’ he added.

China’s strictly controlled television is heavy on patriotic fare, and Beijing has long used the medium as a propaganda organ.

Western media firms such as Viacom Inc, News Corp and Time Warner Inc have been courting Chinese officials for years in efforts to gain footholds in the fast-growing market.

In March, Viacom signed an agreement to produce TV shows in Shanghai. The venture, in which Viacom took a minority stake, was expected to be the first of its kind on the basis of the new law.