Industry's Foremost Creator and Distributor of Creative Imagery Launches First-Ever Chinese Language Web Site and Local Content Production
SEATTLE, July 26, 2005. Getty Images Inc. (NYSE:GYI), the world's leading creator and distributor of visual content, has launched Getty Images China, a local operation based in Beijing, which will enable Chinese creative professionals to search, download and license imagery from all of Getty Images' collections as well as culturally-relevant local content developed specifically for the Chinese market. All collections and local content will be accessible beginning next month through a Chinese language website, the first of its kind for the market.
Getty Images China was created as part of Getty Images' strategy of aggressive global expansion, particularly in rapidly growing non-English speaking markets. This move builds on Getty Images' existing market-leading business in China, after the establishment of its editorial bureau in Beijing earlier this year.
"China is currently the fifth largest market in terms of advertising spending, and is poised to surpass Japan, and become one of the world's largest advertising markets," said Jonathan Klein, CEO and co-founder of Getty Images. "As the Chinese economy continues to grow, and with it, awareness of intellectual property rights, it's clear that China's strategic importance and potential is a significant long-term opportunity for Getty Images. With a respected and experienced news photography team already in place, this is the time to reinforce our position in China as the leading global force for both creative and editorial imagery."
Getty Images China will license all Getty Images creative stills collections as well as its image partners' collections, including both rights-managed and royalty-free images. As many as 37 collections are now available to communications professionals in China. Getty Images China also includes the assets of a joint venture partner, Unisun Group, Inc., which brings proven industry expertise, deep customer relationships and an understanding of local culture.
To meet the strong demand for culturally-relevant content, a team of local and international photographers will shoot a broad range of subjects to provide the best and most compelling imagery for which Getty Images is known, supported by local creative research and art direction. All of the content will be available at gettyimages.cn, the all-Chinese Getty Images website with full Chinese language search capabilities.
The new creative operation builds upon Getty Images' already extensive editorial reach in China, with the largest bureau operating in Beijing, whose staff and freelance photographers cover China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. As the official photographic partner of the International Olympic Committee, Getty Images is already working with the Beijing Olympic Committee to provide imagery for the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games.
Getty Images China is overseen by Yu Li, Director of Greater China, formerly of Reuters, at its Beijing headquarters. Sales offices are also established in Shanghai and Guangzhou.
About Getty Images Inc.
Getty Images is the world's leading creator and distributor of visual content and the first place creative professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage imagery. The company's award-winning photographers and imagery help customers create inspiring work which appears every day in the world's most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites. Headquartered in Seattle, WA and serving customers in more than 100 countries, Getty Images believes in the power of imagery to drive positive change, educate, inform, and entertain. Visit Getty Images at http://www.gettyimages.com.
Contacts
Getty Images Inc.
Investors:
David Parker, Vice President, Investor Relations
206-925-6930
david.parker@gettyimages.com
or
Media:
Deb Trevino, Vice President, Communications
206-925-6474
deb.trevino@gettyimages.com
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