Broadcast agreement deepens cultural links between Australia and India

The ABC and India’s Public Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help build stronger media partnerships between the two countries.

 

The ABC and Prasar Bharati aim to share program content, allowing audiences in India and Australia to develop a more accurate and up-to-date appreciation of contemporary developments in the other country.

Minister for the Arts and Regional Development Simon Crean, who met with CEO Jawhar Sircar this week, said one of the most important goals for the Australia-India relationship is to understand each other better.

“This MOU will advance the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’s commitment to build stronger, deeper and broader cultural links between Australia and India, including through collaboration between our arts, cultural and media organisations.

“It will also build on Oz Fest, the biggest Australian cultural festival ever staged in India. With over 100 events in 18 cities across India, Oz Fest exposes Indians to contemporary Australia. Australia and India are working together to take our cultural and people-to-people links to another level in other areas,” said Crean.

During her recent visit to India Prime Minister Gillard and Indian Prime Minister Singh directed officials to pursue an Audio-Visual Agreement to facilitate greater investment.

Oz Fest is the biggest Australian cultural festival ever staged in India. The Australian Government is working with 24 government, business, institutional and production partners to present over 100 events in 18 locations across India between October and February 2013.