Computer Solutions

Shanghai has launched a new TV channel ‘ICS.’ It goes by the catchy slogan ’see Shanghai, its better than Tokyo, Milan and Paris’ or something like that. your very own Shanghai Eye received the news by text message at midnight on new years, not knowing the self same texter had poached Shanghai Eye’s staffers to direct one of his programs. We were wondering why we didn’t get to go to the bash on M on the Bund.

Ah the media industry. Anyhow, bizarrely, and contrary to expectations, the channel seems to be doing rather well. It already has ads – from Mc Donalds, Unilever, etc… CCTV 9, China’s English language face to the world, has yet to have an ad yet. In typical Shanghai fashion the station launched saying it was not planning to be a rival to CCTV, the state broadcaster. Obviously they had been thinking about Al Jazeera and CNN as their main rivals, and were confused why anyone was questioning them about something no-one had heard of.

Anyhow, Ken, from Chinesepod, has his own talk show, but unfortunately has yet to add a few Jay Leno touches. Others joining in the fun include many of the old favourites from SMG’s stable of English presenters and commentators. But likely the wisest move the channel has made is the translation of fairly decent Chinese documentaries, and a bunch of TV shows usually shown on the sat channel ‘discovery travel and living.’ Flicking between his entirely kosher Filipino sat box and ICS Shanghai Eye found it hard to tell the difference. Hmm. Someone had a brain wave.