Web shows shape future of programming
A couple of years ago, it was still a general belief in China's online video industry that working with TV stations means greater influence and a better chance of success. But now China's major video websites have already been independently making programs that, with ever growing investments, are as appealing as TV productions and create even more social interest.
Ma Dong, former China Central Television producer and now leading video website iQiyi's content director, calls the period now the "golden time for purely Internet-based entertainment shows".
He told a recent industry forum, hosted by iQiyi, that this is because video websites are becoming more recognized as show producers rather than merely show players, which gives them more credibility to attract sponsorship.
