Innovation

EDI Media Inc. consists of a TV channel, radio station, monthly magazine, news website and social platforms (i.e. WeChat, YouTube). As a multimedia company, the main innovation is providing Chinese content to the Chinese-speaking community in the U.S. via a multimedia platform and strategy. Founded in the early 1990s, the company became the first U.S.-based multimedia company specializing in creating and providing Chinese content. Their innovation speaks to UN Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing information to new immigrants. Their innovation also touches upon UN Goal 4: Quality Education through their collaboration with local and international arts programs.

In terms of content, there are a few types of content ranging from licensed articles and TV shows to original creations and productions. Yet, the purpose of it remains the same: to provide the audience with the same access to information, entertainment, and shows that they would enjoy. In particular, company journalists would cover and bring exposure to ongoing events within the Chinese American community.

Moreover, the company translates key economic, political, and social national news to inform the local community of anything they should know. For example, in 2020, the company regularly translated updates from the CDC and government to relay accurate and reliable information regarding COVID-19 guidelines and updates. Through their platforms, the company has become a trusted source of information and content for the Chinese community in the US. Their platform has worked to further UN Goal 10.2 Promote Universal Social, Economic and Political Inclusion. By allowing for equal access to information for new immigrants, they allow for new immigrants to have a representative voice within America.

Inspiration

Being of Chinese descent, it was second nature for James Su to want to help create opportunities for those of his ethnic community. He believes that it is important for everyone of Chinese descent to remember and honor their heritage in the best way they can. He finds it essential for people to stay connected to their roots and states that the media is the best medium to transcend this message. He stated that the driving force behind the innovation and their main focus is the inequalities existent within the Chinese community. The company has three missions that focus on this target. The first mission is the equal right to information through bilingual broadcasting (English & Chinese). This is done through government policies, regulations, and information. They also emphasize the importance of eliminating discrimination through bilingual communications. The second mission is the equal right to educate and keep their own heritage as an ethnic group for generations to come. They want to preserve their culture to the next generations through our events and company activities. The third mission is the importance of equal rights. They are doing this through cultural exchange to let mainstream or other ethnic groups to have the opportunity to learn about their culture so that they can reduce inequalities and discrimination. Through their innovative media platforms, they hope to bring equal rights to their community and multimedia is the best way to accomplish these goals. Broadcast is just one of the mediums that help spread their message to the public.

Overall impact

EDI Media Inc. is the largest Chinese American multi-media company in the U.S. It has a long history since 1993. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA and is a limited liability company registered in California in 1993. For the past three decades, the company has had consistent high quality content and productions. Due to their innovations, they have achieved astonishing accomplishments and have been highly recognized by the media industry in both the United States and China. Their other subordinate companies are ICITI TV, ICITI Radio Network, EDI City Newsweek, new media platform ICITINEWS, and ICITI Press. They have greatly impacted and influenced the Chinese and Chinese American community through their multi-media platforms. They have won numerous awards for this innovation such as

: MUSE Creative Awards, The Telly Awards, The Communicator Awards, New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs & Promotions, Global Trend Video Awards, Global Chinese Broadcasting Cooperation (全球華語廣播獎), Other Awards, The most influential award of Chinese Film industry, Global Chinese Broadcasting Cooperation (全球華語廣播網特別貢獻獎),and Asian Medica Cooperation Organization. Because of their continuous dedication to their mission, they have created more awareness of Chinese culture amongst the community. In addition, they have gained more accessibility to local, state, and federal regulations/policies/news. Their innovation has helped many Chinese and Chinese Americans feel connected to their motherland and understand the importance of their cultural heritage in shaping their identity.

Business benefit

EDI Media Inc.’s innovation of starting a multimedia company for Chinese immigrants through creating bilingual content both in Chinese and English is intertwined with the overall business model and is what makes EDI Media stand out. Over time they have become the biggest Chinese American multi-media company in the United States. The company has been able to achieve many accomplishments and awards as they have been widely recognized by both the U.S. and Chinese’s media industry. Since the company started in 1993, they have been able to grow and expand owning five other subordinate companies (ICITI TV, ICITI Radio Network, EDI City Newsweek, new media platform ICITINEWS, and ICITI Press) in order to reach as many people as they can. Through ICITI TV they have been able to produce and make over 2,000 hours of programs yearly, reaching more than 35 million audiences worldwide. As well as their radio network channel 18.9 in Los Angeles targets the largest Chinese audience in the U.S. reaching more than 14 million people in Southern California. EDI Media also started a YouTube channel where they upload different media content for people to watch whenever they want, often the videos average about 8,000-10,000 views per video. Over the years they have been able to connect both the film industry in the U.S. and in China to come together and work on different collaborations. These feats include, in 1996 they started TV and film copyright business between the two as well as helped expand the field of 3-D film production/rights trading between the two. Through their innovation of running a bilingual multi-media company, EDI Inc. has brought awareness of Chinese culture amongst the community as well as providing equal access to predominantly new Chinese immigrants. As they continue to expand and grow, they will be able to reach and help as many Chinese immigrants get acquainted and knowledgeable with American culture and politics.

Social and environmental benefit

EDI Media Inc.’s innovation of a multimedia company that creates bilingual content both in Chinese and English for immigrants has had a positive impact on the Chinese community in America. They have been able to share their culture and have brought the U.S. and China media industry together to work with one another. In fact, the company has done such a wonderful contribution to this cultural exchange between the two countries helping both of their markets that in 2021 the California State Assemblyman Curt Hagman of the 55th District, declared December 26th as “James Su Day” in the State of California after the company’s Founder and CEO. EDI Media Inc., through their CEO James Su has actively participated in different charity activities and has donated to many charities. This includes donating multiple electronic libraries for people in the poor countryside of China as well as donating to local non-profits in the U.S. including the Asian Youth Center to further Chinese cultural education (art/calligraphy). This collaboration is part of a series of non-profit initiatives that further UN SDG 4 where they work to further cultural education for the Asian American community to allow for youth to re-connect with their ethnic roots. Conversely, the e-libraries created in rural China further universal literacy and numeracy as they establish places of learning building and upgrading inclusive and safe Schools

In 2016, he was awarded with The President’s Volunteer Service Award for his multiple and impactful contributions to the community. They have worked with many local organizations to bring more awareness to Chinese culture, informing and educating as well. For every major Chinese holiday, EDI Media Inc. hosts a mid-scale festival (Asian Family Moon Festival and the Chinese American Culture and Art Festival), bringing in local vendors and artists/performers for the Chinese community and those who wish to participate come and celebrate them together. The company has also hosted multiple music concerts that have local Chinese instrument orchestras or even musicians from China come to play to celebrate and spread awareness of Chinese music. One of their biggest events that they put on every year to bring together both the Chinese and American film communities is their Chinese American Film Festival. It celebrated both American films in China as well as Chinese films in the U.S. It is one of their most anticipated events that truly embodies the company’s mission to bring both the U.S. and China together in a cultural exchange.

Interview

James Su, Founder & CEO