The decision by Chinese broadcasting regulators follows similar approvals this week for distribution of Star Television's Chinese-language entertainment channel and for InfoNews, a Chinese-language news channel operated by Phoenix Television Holdings, a Star subsidiary.

Bloomberg will join other international broadcasters, including CNN and BBC, in airing English-language programming to luxury hotels, government offices and expatriate residential compounds, said Bill McHugh, distribution manager for Bloomberg Television Asia Pacific.

Foreign networks are not legally allowed to broadcast directly to most Chinese homes, although millions of Chinese view foreign broadcasts through illicitly installed satellite dishes.

China has been easing restrictions, especially in southern China's Guangdong Province, where ordinary Chinese can access Star's entertainment channel, a mass-market Phoenix channel and CETV.

McHugh said that for Bloomberg, the restrictions were not much of an issue.

"It's a perfect opportunity to reach out to professional Bloomberg clients and foreign professionals traveling in China," he said.

China announces new rights for foreign television broadcasters each year, but the decision to allow InfoNews to broadcast Chinese-language news programming around the clock was viewed as a major step by some media analysts.

InfoNews announced that develop-ment on Tuesday. It is operated by Phoenix, which is 37.6 percent owned by Star, a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

(eastday.com January 10, 2003)