Rick French, Chairman, President & CEO
Last April, I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai as a delegate of the Council of PR Firms to learn more about how PR is practiced in the People's Republic of China, as well as discuss with the Chinese government its policies regarding media censorship. It was a fascinating experience and the Chinese people were absolutely wonderful.
What is important for everyone who wants to do business in China to realize is that almost all media in China today is monitored and controlled by the ruling Communist Party (CCP). This includes all TV, radio, newspapers - even lifestyle periodicals such as Chinese Vogue and GQ. So while the CCP has certainly embraced economic change and is courting corporate investments across the globe, free speech and political liberalism - the bedrocks of Western society - are still far-flung concepts to the Chinese people and this is something the world is likely to better understand in the coming year as outside media descend on Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
For those companies looking to navigate the tricky political, media and product marketing terrain in China, FWV has a great partner firm there that can help.
Rick French, Chairman, President & CEO
