Chinese national news service CCTV launched yesterday on Austar channel 653 (that’s two new channels on the one day for the nation) with key dignitaries from China attending the event.

The English-language channel will include News Update and News Hour, China 24 and Asia Today, plus newscasts, in-depth reports, commentary programs, as well as a host of feature presentations from China.

The Chinese Consul General in Sydney, Mr. He Hu Shan, and Vice President of CCTV, Mr. Zhang Changming, joined AUSTAR CEO John Porter, Australian News Channel CEO Angelos Frangopoulos in a ceremony to mark the agreement between the two broadcasters.

John Porter said: “News is very important to our customers as it gives them a window on and access to the world in such an immediate way.

“We have long had a commitment to providing a range of news sources, and today have the richest, most diverse offering on television in Australia. We’re therefore very pleased to be adding another window on the world with the launch of CCTV.”

CCTV NEWS is available to all AUSTAR subscribers as part of basic tier packages.

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