China Media Group gives free ads to Hubei province

China Media Group on Monday donated advertising time worth 500 million yuan ($70.6 million) to novel coronavirus-ravaged Hubei province in an attempt to promote local products and services.

The move came after the outbreak disrupted logistics chains, dampening sales of farm produce and leaving many farmers struggling.

The media conglomerate said the first eight free TV ads are expected to be broadcast on several of its most-watched channels.

A total of 35 such ads on Hubei farm produce, manufactured goods and cultural and tourism services would be shown on several channels until the end of the year, it said.

CMG said it has donated cash, supplies and advertising services worth 3.1 billion yuan to the province since Feb 20.

It also launched a livestreaming sales event featuring the media group's celebrity hosts, which helped sell 400 million yuan worth of goods.

An online job fair it organized offered 100,000 jobs to college graduates from Hubei.

Hubei Party Chief Ying Yong said CMG's donation has given Hubei province a helping hand at a difficult time and that it is crucial to promote sales of local farm products, stabilize supply chains and complete the building of a moderately prosperous society before the year ends.