June 16, 2008, 3:53 pm
For Olympics, China Ramps Up Copyright Infringement Campaign
By Flora Zhang
Olympics 2008: The Issues
When it comes to copyrights, China is perhaps better known for violations than for protection, as demonstrated by a steady flow of fake Harry Potter books in its market last year and a lawsuit filed by Gucci recently. For the Olympics, China is charting an active stance. Xinhua news agency reported that the country has started a campaign to crackdown on online intellectual copyright infringement of Olympic-related events and activities — particularly video-sharing.
“We will also mobilize online authors and the public to cooperate in this movement,” said Xu Chao, a senior official with the National Copyright Administration. “They can report alleged infringement cases via telephone hot line or the Internet.”
The hotline, 12312, will be in operation during the games to take in reports of infringement cases from citizens.
While the focus of the crackdown will be on video-sharing Web sites (see article in Chinese), it remains to be seen whether reining in Olympic-related materials will be an easy task.
On YouTube, a search for Olympic terms turns up plenty of hits that feature the official mascots or slogan, including the following animated Fuwa (福娃) video that serves as a promotional boon for China’s Olympic effort.
FOR MORE OLYMPIC RELATED NEWS :NY TIMES OLYMPICS BLOG CLICK HERE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Chinese Company Gains Olympic Webcast Rights
June 17, 2008, 12:49 am
Chinese Company Gains Olympic Webcast Rights
By Azadeh Ensha
The Chinese Web portal Sohu.com Inc. announced Monday that it has signed an agreement with the Internet arm of CCTV, the Chinese state television network, granting it official rights to webcast the Beijing Olympic Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all athletic competitions.
Under the contract, Sohu.com will offer live webcasts and video on demand of Olympic events, relying on its 700-person-plus staff to manage pictures, videos, blogs and forums. The company will “provide total coverage of Chinese representatives, athletes, teams, and Olympic champions at least 60 seconds ahead of any other website,” according to the Beijing Games official site.
The amount of the deal was unspecified.
In 2005, the Beijing-based portal reportedly paid $30 million for the rights to host the Games’ Web site for the Beijing Olympics and to use its logo. Sohu also moved to claim exclusive rights to host all advertising by Beijing Games sponsors who use the Olympics logo, a move that spurred other Chinese sites, including Sohu competitor Sina, to form an alliance against Sohu.
The rivalry underscores the growing business of Internet marketing in China. As of June 2007, there were more than 160 million Internet users in China, placing it second behind the U.S., and online ads were expected to generate an estimated 8.3 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) for the year, according to an article in China Daily.
This week Reuters reported that broadcasters had yet to learn whether their applications for licenses to transmit live from major landmarks — an integral part of coverage at past Olympics — had been approved for the Beijing Games, despite previous promises by China to grant access.
“The line we’re getting from various authorities is that policies on live transmissions from outside Olympic venues and iconic sites have not been decided yet,” Kevin Fleck of Global Vision, which provides services to Olympic sponsors, rights holders and non-rights holders, told Reuters. “Broadcasters needed the decision to be made months ago because they have to commit budgets and allocate air-time for Olympic slots,” he added.
Following a Monday meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, International Olympic Committee member Kevan Gosper told The Associated Press: “There has been some progress in the last two weeks, I can tell you that. But I can’t say we are there yet.”
At a meeting among TV executives, IOC officials and top Chinese leadership in Beijing on May 29, broadcasters were told it was unlikely they would be allowed to transmit live from outside venues, the AP reports. Chinese officials may be motivated to limit access in order to prevent foreign cameras from sighting protests by groups opposing the government.
The IOC estimates that about 30,000 accredited and non-accredited journalists will cover the games.
This year also marks the first time the IOC has allowed athletes to blog at the Games.
News courtesy:NY TIMES FOR MORE OLYMPIC RELATED NEWS
Chinese Company Gains Olympic Webcast Rights
By Azadeh Ensha
The Chinese Web portal Sohu.com Inc. announced Monday that it has signed an agreement with the Internet arm of CCTV, the Chinese state television network, granting it official rights to webcast the Beijing Olympic Games, including the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all athletic competitions.
Under the contract, Sohu.com will offer live webcasts and video on demand of Olympic events, relying on its 700-person-plus staff to manage pictures, videos, blogs and forums. The company will “provide total coverage of Chinese representatives, athletes, teams, and Olympic champions at least 60 seconds ahead of any other website,” according to the Beijing Games official site.
The amount of the deal was unspecified.
In 2005, the Beijing-based portal reportedly paid $30 million for the rights to host the Games’ Web site for the Beijing Olympics and to use its logo. Sohu also moved to claim exclusive rights to host all advertising by Beijing Games sponsors who use the Olympics logo, a move that spurred other Chinese sites, including Sohu competitor Sina, to form an alliance against Sohu.
The rivalry underscores the growing business of Internet marketing in China. As of June 2007, there were more than 160 million Internet users in China, placing it second behind the U.S., and online ads were expected to generate an estimated 8.3 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) for the year, according to an article in China Daily.
This week Reuters reported that broadcasters had yet to learn whether their applications for licenses to transmit live from major landmarks — an integral part of coverage at past Olympics — had been approved for the Beijing Games, despite previous promises by China to grant access.
“The line we’re getting from various authorities is that policies on live transmissions from outside Olympic venues and iconic sites have not been decided yet,” Kevin Fleck of Global Vision, which provides services to Olympic sponsors, rights holders and non-rights holders, told Reuters. “Broadcasters needed the decision to be made months ago because they have to commit budgets and allocate air-time for Olympic slots,” he added.
Following a Monday meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, International Olympic Committee member Kevan Gosper told The Associated Press: “There has been some progress in the last two weeks, I can tell you that. But I can’t say we are there yet.”
At a meeting among TV executives, IOC officials and top Chinese leadership in Beijing on May 29, broadcasters were told it was unlikely they would be allowed to transmit live from outside venues, the AP reports. Chinese officials may be motivated to limit access in order to prevent foreign cameras from sighting protests by groups opposing the government.
The IOC estimates that about 30,000 accredited and non-accredited journalists will cover the games.
This year also marks the first time the IOC has allowed athletes to blog at the Games.
News courtesy:NY TIMES FOR MORE OLYMPIC RELATED NEWS
Thursday, June 5, 2008
China's Liu Xiang in doubt for last pre-Games race -- coach
China's Liu Xiang in doubt for last pre-Games race -- coach
BEIJING (AFP) — China's 110m hurdles world champion Liu Xiang is a doubt for Sunday's Prefontaine Classic in the United States, his last race before the Beijing Olympics, his coach said.
Speaking in Eugene, Oregon, where the Chinese Olympic champion is training, coach Sun Haiping said that Liu had made a full recovery from a tight hamstring that kept him out of a race in New York last weekend.
But a cautious Sun told Thursday's Nanfang Sports newspaper that the 24-year-old star was still feeling muscle twinges in other areas and would have to prove himself fit before he would be allowed to race.
"We will put his spikes on and run him over the hurdles fast," Sun was quoted as saying.
"If there is still trouble, then he will pull out (of Sunday's race). If he comes through without a problem, then we will certainly race.
"In training over the past couple of days Liu still suffered some pain but the problems are not related to his hamstring but are from other areas."
The decision to pull Liu out of the New York race sparked near-panic back home with newspapers saying Liu's Olympic preparations had been disrupted.
The Shanghai runner established himself as a sporting idol in China when he won the Olympic title in Athens four years ago and then set a new 110m world record in 2006 before running away with the world title last year.
But he has only competed twice at outdoor events this season including an appearance at an Olympic test event last month in Beijing at which he faced no international competition.
On both occasions his pace was well below his own world record of 12.88sec and the 12.92 mark he set in winning the world championship in Osaka last August.
Sun admitted that the latest injury scare had been a set-back for Liu's Olympic preparations.
"In 2008 we haven't had any races with high-level competition so these two US events were planned to be our warm-up for the Olympics," he said.
Liu's preparations for the Games would have to be modified, Sun added.
"From a training point of view, first we need to help him recover, then we need new tactics," he said, without elaborating.
courtesy:afp
China lists Olympic rules for foreigners
BEIJING, China (AP) -- Foreigners attending the Beijing Olympics better behave -- or else.
art.foreigners.ap.jpg
People are shown in late April walking past a sign in Beijing warning foreigners.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document Monday that covers 57 topics. Written in Chinese only and posted on the official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.
Visitors also should know this:
# Those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions will be barred.
# Some parts of the country are closed to visitors -- one of them Tibet.
# Olympic tickets are no guarantee of a visa to enter China.
Fearing protests during the August 8-24 Olympics, China's government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.
The guide said Olympic ticket holders "still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."
The government hopes to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.
Don't Miss
* Ticket security gets tight
* China revises Olympic language on disabled
* Blog: Olympics and the World
* iReport.com: Send us your pictures, video
* Special report: Beijing 2008
* Official Beijing Olympics Web site
"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given. ... Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."
The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sports venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner at an Olympic venue that "disturbs the public order."
The guidelines seem to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.
"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. "It's a human right. Athletes have it."
The detailed document is titled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."
For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended. The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.
The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."
The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.
The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.
"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.
The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country, including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".
Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.
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The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."
For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money -- forget it. This is banned to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."
art.foreigners.ap.jpg
People are shown in late April walking past a sign in Beijing warning foreigners.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, nine-page document Monday that covers 57 topics. Written in Chinese only and posted on the official Web site, the guide covers everything from a ban on sleeping outdoors to the need for government permission to stage a protest.
Visitors also should know this:
# Those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions will be barred.
# Some parts of the country are closed to visitors -- one of them Tibet.
# Olympic tickets are no guarantee of a visa to enter China.
Fearing protests during the August 8-24 Olympics, China's government has tightened controls on visas and residence permits for foreigners. It has also promised a massive security presence at the games, which may include undercover agents dressed as volunteers.
The guide said Olympic ticket holders "still need to visit China embassies and consulates and apply for visas according to the related rules."
The government hopes to keep out activists and students who might stage pro-Tibet rallies that would be broadcast around the world. It also fears protests over China's oil and arms trade with Sudan, and any disquiet from predominantly Muslim regions in western China.
Don't Miss
* Ticket security gets tight
* China revises Olympic language on disabled
* Blog: Olympics and the World
* iReport.com: Send us your pictures, video
* Special report: Beijing 2008
* Official Beijing Olympics Web site
"In order to hold any public gathering, parade or protest the organizer must apply with the local police authorities. No such activity can be held unless a permit is given. ... Any illegal gatherings, parades and protests and refusal to comply are subject to administrative punishments or criminal prosecution."
The document also warns against the display of insulting slogans or banners at any sports venue. It also forbids any religious or political banner at an Olympic venue that "disturbs the public order."
The guidelines seem to clash with a pledge made two month ago by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who said athletes could exercise freedom of speech in China. He asked only that athletes refrain from making political statements at certain official Olympics venues.
"Freedom of expression is something that is absolute," Rogge said in Beijing in April. "It's a human right. Athletes have it."
The detailed document is titled: "A guide to Chinese law for Foreigners coming to, leaving or staying in China during the Olympics." This appears under the slogan of the Beijing Olympics: "One World, One Dream."
For months Chinese authorities denied there had been any change to visa regulations, but recently acknowledged that rules had been amended. The changes may have little affect on some of the 500,000 foreigners expected to visit for the Olympics, many of whom will come on package tours with visas already arranged.
The rules published Monday say entry will be denied to those "who might conduct acts of terrorism, violence and government subversion ... and those who might engage in activities endangering China's national security and national interest."
The rules also bar entry to smugglers, drug traffickers, prostitutes and those with "mental diseases" or contagious conditions.
The document also warns foreigners that not all areas of the country are open to visitors. One such area is Tibet, which is also off limits to journalists.
"Not all of China is open to foreigners, and they shall not go to any venue not open to them," the statement said.
The guide also spells out a long list of items that cannot be brought into the country, including weapons, imitation weapons, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, drugs and poisons. It also prohibits the entry of materials "that are harmful to China's politics, economics, culture and morals".
Foreigners staying with Chinese residents in urban areas must register at a local police station within 24 hours of arriving. The limit in rural areas is 72 hours.
advertisement
The guide also threatens criminal prosecution against anyone "who burns, defaces ... insults or tramps on the national flag or insignia."
For those planning on sleeping outdoors to save a little money -- forget it. This is banned to "maintain public hygiene and the cultured image of the cities."
Monday, June 2, 2008
Olympic torch burns brightly in Jingzhou
The torch carriers also include world weightlifting champion Guan Hong and Chinese actress Zeng Li.
At the launching ceremony, the torchbearers and spectators observed a minute of silence to the victims of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake which struck southwestern China's Sichuan Province on May 12.
Jingzhou is one of the first 24 historic cities of cultural significance selected by the State Council and also the cradle of Chu culture of ancient China.
As a transportation hub and distribution center of commodities since ancient times, the city has become a strategic place of military importance in Chinese history.
href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKUTN9S6XNxBsDdWW32gYmq54YpeVa46VExyXmO7r8BJ3Cq1yRhODrtj8sIo290RRPWlNmPB1_1u_RY2ZsLBJjiBT2JKD-5nWaRVs0cDak-KgOg8gTLhs5QwLMXA16kq550BwoUBdGA/s1600-h/xinsrc_492060502160606214867.jpg">
JINGZHOU, Central China, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympic torch relay started its Jingzhou leg on the middle reaches of the Yangtze River on Monday, the last segment in central China's Hubei province.
The 18.6-kilometer relay of 208 torchbearers kicked off at 8:13 a.m. at the Golden Phoenix Square and will pass through the Ancient Jingzhou Town and end at Shalongda Square.
Zheng Lihui, who claimed a men's gymnastics team gold at Sydney Olympics, opened the relay as the first torchbearer. As the No. 3 torchbearer, the Greek ambassador to China Michael Cambanis delivered the flame on the Nine Dragon Bridge of the city.
Chinese Olympics relay member donates torch to quake relief
Chinese Olympics relay member donates torch to quake relief
Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake
BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Luo Xuejuan, the first Chinese bearer of the 2008 global Olympic torch relay, is donating her torch to the China Siyuan & The Loving Torch Foundation, which is dedicated to rebuilding areas ravaged by the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake.
"This torch doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to the nation," said the Athens Olympic 100-meter breaststroke gold medalist.
"I hope the flame of our loving hearts will kindle people's hope for beautiful lives."
Luo also took part in the disaster relief fund-raising event organized by CCTV (China Central Television) and donations organized by the sports circles.
One of the founders of the Siyuan & The Loving Torch Foundation, Luo has been involved with disaster relief work, aiming to provide aid to people affected by the earthquake, especially women.
news courtesy:xinhua http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/02/content_8301717.htm
Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake
BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Luo Xuejuan, the first Chinese bearer of the 2008 global Olympic torch relay, is donating her torch to the China Siyuan & The Loving Torch Foundation, which is dedicated to rebuilding areas ravaged by the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake.
"This torch doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to the nation," said the Athens Olympic 100-meter breaststroke gold medalist.
"I hope the flame of our loving hearts will kindle people's hope for beautiful lives."
Luo also took part in the disaster relief fund-raising event organized by CCTV (China Central Television) and donations organized by the sports circles.
One of the founders of the Siyuan & The Loving Torch Foundation, Luo has been involved with disaster relief work, aiming to provide aid to people affected by the earthquake, especially women.
news courtesy:xinhua http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/02/content_8301717.htm
China issues strict rules for summer Olympics
China issues strict rules for summer Olympics
Locking lips at Safeco Field will get you only a minor public outcry. But if you're going to the Chinese Olympic Games this summer, you'd better not mess with the rules.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, 57-topic guide letting foreigners know what they can't do as they enjoy the games this August -- like sleep outdoors, enter Tibet or stage a protest without the government's permission.
No word on whether kissing is allowed in the stands, but so much for freedom of speech. According to the Associated Press, the guide forbids the display of insulting slogans and any religious or political banner that "disturbs the political order."
It also informs visitors that people with "mental diseases" -- whatever those are -- will be barred from events.
The Olympic committee earlier had to apologize after a volunteer guide that used striking stereotypes to describe the physically disabled spawned a wave of protest.
Read more from the Associated Press.
Locking lips at Safeco Field will get you only a minor public outcry. But if you're going to the Chinese Olympic Games this summer, you'd better not mess with the rules.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee issued a stern, 57-topic guide letting foreigners know what they can't do as they enjoy the games this August -- like sleep outdoors, enter Tibet or stage a protest without the government's permission.
No word on whether kissing is allowed in the stands, but so much for freedom of speech. According to the Associated Press, the guide forbids the display of insulting slogans and any religious or political banner that "disturbs the political order."
It also informs visitors that people with "mental diseases" -- whatever those are -- will be barred from events.
The Olympic committee earlier had to apologize after a volunteer guide that used striking stereotypes to describe the physically disabled spawned a wave of protest.
Read more from the Associated Press.
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