VietNamNet Bridge – Foreign television channels allowed on Vietnam’s pay TV networks are capped at 30% of the total number of channels as regulated in the Government’s Decree No. 06/2016 on management of radio and television services.

Members of a family in Hanoi watch a foreign program on a pay TV channel. Foreign television channels on Vietnam’s pay TV networks are capped at 30% of the total number of channels - Photo: Van Ly

The decree requires foreign programs on pay TV channels in Vietnam to contain appropriate contents for Vietnamese culture and in line with the country’s regulations on the press and copyright protection.

In addition, the contents of foreign programs should be edited and translated by licensed entities and there must be authorized agents responsible for advertising and fulfilling financial obligations in Vietnam in accordance with the prevailing regulations.

The decree was issued to support healthy competition and sustainable growth on the pay radio and TV markets as well as create favorable conditions for pay radio and TV service providers to operate efficiently.

The decree allows the mobilization of capital sources for production of programs to meet the needs of local viewers.

The decree specifies that contents on radio and television channels are governed by the press law while radio and television services are affected by the law on telecommunications.

Quang Chung

SGT