China Central Television (CCTV) began broadcasting experimental
programmes on 2 September 1958. This was to last four months.
Forty-five years later, China's national TV network has 13 TV
channels that reach 91% of the population. Its audience figures can
reach 1.1 billion. CCTV produces 68% of its own programmes or, in
other words, CCTV's own-productions make up for 184 hours out of
270 hours of its total schedule. On the technology side, not only
is production completely digital but CCTV has envisaged embracing
HDTV by building new headquarters that will be fully operational in
2007.
On the occasion of its 45th anniversary, CCTV wanted to show the
world that it is ready to open up, inviting the TV world's top 50
decision-makers to participate in its festivities in Beijing. EBU
Secretary General Jean Stock, his ABU counterpart David Astley and
EBU Honorary President Albert Scharf were among the VIPs.
CCTV President Zhao Huayong took this opportunity to inform Jean
Stock that he wanted his organization to formalize its relations
with the EBU, particularly in view of the 2008 Olympic Games in
Beijing, for which the EBU has acquired the exclusive rights for
Europe.
Over the coming weeks, EBU executives will work with Zhang
Yongfu, CCTV director of international relations, to create an
official framework in which Chinese television and the EBU can
work.
