China's radio, TV and film industry's revenue rises sharply in 2006

Last year the total revenue of China's radio, TV and film industry increased by 18 percent, said a report released by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

The number of movies made in China reached 330 in 2006. The increase is 27 percent, compared to the previous year. The revenue of the radio and TV rose by 17 percent, while the film sector grew by 19 percent.

By the end of 2006 radio covered 95 percent of the Chinese population, while TV reached 96 percent of the population. By the year 2015 digital TV transmissions should be available for the Chinese people.

TV set manufacturers believe that the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be a big opportunity for them to sell new TV sets. It will also be a great opportunity to introduce digital TV in China.

In May 2006, China opened up 921 cultural projects related to film and television. The total value of these projects was estimated to be 70 billion yuan.

China has also eased restrictions on access to the mainland market for Hong Kong's film and television industry.