China set to screen Aussie channel

Those cheeky Bananas in Pyjamas are set to infiltrate Chinese households for the first time when the ABC starts using its new television foothold.

The Chinese government is allowing the public broadcaster to distribute its Australia Network content in partnership with domestic media companies.

Chinese broadcasters will pick and choose content provided by the ABC - from its news programs to kid's shows such as Bananas in Pyjamas.

The Australia Network before now did not have landing rights in China although it did have an arrangement with International Channel Shanghai to broadcast some documentaries, lifestyle, English learning and sports shows.

The ABC will have the rights to establish a base in Shanghai to sell media content across China once the deal is signed on May 4.

The government-funded Australia Network aims to promote a positive image of Australia in Asia.

There has been uncertainty about the future of the network with speculation the government could axe taxpayer-funding in the May budget.

The ABC has a contract to run the network for three years.