The government today has made a shocking announcement which has an immense impact on India’s foreign policy. The All India Radio which runs numerous regional language channels is all set to air a Balochi language programme which can be heard by the Baloch people living in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. 

The recent commercial backing of Australia Plus by three foundation partners is a boon for Australia’s soft power and demonstrates the resilience and innovation of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Beyond this, it should be seen as an opportunity for Australian businesses and a case study in corporate entrepreneurship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described “soft power” in 2012 as “a matrix of tools and methods to reach foreign policy goals without the use of arms but by exerting information and other levers of influence.” His government has used state-owned media outlets like RT, formerly known as Russia Today, and other pro-Kremlin organizations to bend public opinion in other countries toward Russia.

New ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has outlined plans to renew an international expansion into overseas markets like China as part of a “soft power push” to influence Australia’s standing on the world stage. Two years after the controversial Australia Network was shut down because the government did not believe the ABC was meeting its contractual obligations, Ms Guthrie has foreshadowed a new offensive. 

TV just like at home – for millions of Chinese viewers in Europe. The new bobbles.tv pay TV platform is going on air today. The service for international communities in Europe is launching with 18 popular Chinese channels. bobbles.tv can be received throughout Europe via satellite and internet. An Indonesian TV package featuring seven channels is launching at the same time as the Chinese service.