SARFT takes control of IPTV in China

 China's evolving plans for media convergence now appear to grant control of IPTV to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. The apparent move by the State Council, China's cabinet, could clarify a previously grey area in a potentially lucrative media arena in the world's largest Internet market.
On the opening day of the Shanghai International Television Festival, the State Council's plan to grant SARFT control of IPTV was revealed by Bao Ran, editor-in-chief of China Digital TV magazine. There had been much speculation since the State Council laid out a general proposal to synchronise its telecommunications, broadcast and Internet media in January - a process that has been dogged by scattered cable TV networks and conflicts of interest between different administrative bodies and local governments.