China launches global English language TV news channel
China has denied allegations that its state news agency, Xinhua, will use its new international English language news channel for propaganda purposes.
This follows the Chinese authorities decision to channel the country's new found economic wealth into boosting global awareness of the country’s image and viewpoint. China has previously accused western media of bias and only reporting negative stories, particularly on controversial issues such as Tibet and Taiwan.
CNC World will initially air in Hong Kong before spreading to Europe, North America and Africa in its first year in rivalry with established networks such as the BBC and CNN.
Ironically the one place the channel wont be visible is China itself where the government are trying to protect state broadcaster CCTV’s own news services.
The launch is seen as a counterbalance to western media hegemony but concerns remain over China’s extensive censorship laws which are designed to quell domestic political dissent.
Those who have watched CNC’s initial broadcasts think that rivals have little to fear, yet, pointing out that graphics were “dreary” with too much stock footage, “plodding” scripts and sparse interviews.
Concern was raised over an item commemorating the 13th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to Beijing which made no mention of pro democracy protests.