China’s largest state-owned television and radio stations are merging into one broadcasting platform to be called Zhongguo Zhisheng, which translates to Voice of China.
China Central Television (CCTV), China Radio International (CRI), and China National Radio (CNR) will form the new state-media conglomerate. tasked with “better telling the country’s stories to the world.”
A state radio and television administration will be established by unifying the three broadcasters, according to a plan by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China unveiled after the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) concluded.
China Global Television Network (CGTN), the group of six international language channels launched by CCTV on December 31, 2016, is also included in the merger. Former CCTV President Shen Haixiong was appointed to lead the organisation.
The new platform will come under the state’s Publicity Department, and is tasked with the enhancement of China’s international broadcasting capacities and promoting the convergence of the three platforms.
China will dissolve the State Administration of Press, Publication, Film, Radio, and Television (SAPPFRT) and establish a State Administration of Radio and Television. Press, publication and film will be under the direct management of the Publicity Department.
