BEIJING – A group of journalists from around the world toured the headquarters of China’s Global Television Network (CGTN), Beijing’s leading international news organization, on Thursday.
The visit provided a unique and unparalleled opportunity for journalists to witness firsthand the significant advances China has made in media technology and news production.
The tour included demonstrations of CGTN’s cutting-edge broadcasting facilities, including advanced studios, AI-powered news gathering tools, and sophisticated data analysis systems used to create and distribute content.
Foreign journalists were also given insight into CGTN’s multi-platform strategy and reached audiences around the world through television, online platforms and social media.
The visit highlights China’s growing influence in the global media environment and provides the media corps with a deeper understanding of the country’s approach to international news coverage, in contrast to the biased reporting prevailed in mainstream Western media.
International journalists were particularly impressed by the substantial advances China has made in media technology and news production during their tour of CGTN’s headquarters. All journalists who visit the news organization are participating in a media exchange programme hosted by the China International Press and Communications Centre (CIPCC). The visit provided opportunities to interact with CGTN counterparts and executives, and engaged in discussions on a variety of subjects, including China’s economic growth, technological advancements, international relations, and cultural initiatives.
In a meeting with CIPCC journalists, CGTN’s Associate Editor highlighted the global impact of news networks.
“CGTN is China’s flagship international broadcasting. It currently broadcasts 24/7 through a new media cluster that includes six television channels, radio frequencies, one international video news agency, an official website and mobile app,” said Cao Ri.
He added that Beijing-based CGTN has three production centres along with 24 overseas production units in Nairobi, London and Washington. “We have an international production team of experts from over 70 countries and regions.”
Cao further mentioned CGTN’s collaboration with the CIPCC. “The CIPCC Journal’s delegation programme has been running for over a decade onwards when it comes to cooperation with China’s International Press Communication Centre. As far as I understand it, I will take foreign journalists to China to exchange ideas and engage with the local community.
CGTN began operation on December 31, 2016. Create content for television, radio and digital platforms and create it in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian. The organization’s purpose, along with comprehensive audiovisual services, is to provide accurate and timely news coverage for global audiences, thereby promoting communication and understanding between China and the international community, and strengthening cultural exchanges and mutual trust with other countries. Committed to the principles of objectivity, rationality and balanced reporting, CGTN strives to fulfill its mission of “seeing differences” by providing information from a variety of perspectives.
Now, Thursday’s visit to CGTN highlighted the possibility that it could serve as an important alternative to Western media outlets. This is often accused of prejudice to global events and cultures, and sometimes perpetuating inaccurate portrayals. While Western media maintains a dominant position in international news spread, concerns about its inherent bias and selective reporting continue to grow. The emergence of CGTN provides a contrasting perspective, allowing audiences to access stories and perspectives that are often overlooked, overlooked, or framed by their western counterparts.