MEDIA giant Rupert Murdoch's STAR Television may be hard hit by tough new laws governing satellite television to be introduced in China in April.
The laws will tighten controls governing the production and installation of satellite television equipment.
The regulations are aimed at preventing unauthorised people from watching foreign satellite television. Under existing rules, private viewers are forbidden to watch foreign broadcasts in China, but the law has been largely ignored.
Gary Davey, newly-appointed chief executive of STAR TV, said it was too early to gauge the likely impact of the move but added: ''We are watching the situation with great interest.'' Managing director of Ogilvy Media Asia, Andre Nair said the regulations were certain to hit STAR TV, and all other satellite broadcasters. But he added it was difficult to estimate the extent of the likely impact because it depended on how strictly Beijing applied the regulations.
''What is certain is that the laws cannot be easily enforced,'' Mr Nair said.
Amy Wong, research director of New Hong Kong China Capital, agreed: ''The point is it may be quite difficult to implement the new system because local authorities may not follow the instructions issued by the central government.'' The new regulations were first announced last October by the Ministry of Radio, Film and Television.