Media representatives welcome launch of CMG's specialized channels on FAST platforms

International representatives participating in a key media forum in Xi'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, have welcomed the launch of China Global Television Network (CGTN) specialized channels on FAST platforms, hailing the channels' potential to multiply the voices of the Global South and carry vibrant, authentic narratives to numerous viewers worldwide.

CGTN, the international arm of China Media Group (CMG), officially launched three specialized channels on free advert-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms on Thursday at the Global South Media Partners Mechanism Inauguration Meeting and the 13th Global Video Media Forum (VMF), offering up a variety of programming to global viewers.

The newly launched channels -- CGTN Global Biz, China Travel and Discovering China -- will be broadcast 24/7 across 15 major international FAST platforms, reaching nearly 200 million viewers worldwide. It marks a crucial step as CMG explores new business formats in the expansion of its international communications strategy.

Media representatives participating in the event applauded CGTN's new FAST channels.

"Launching the FAST platforms in itself is very exciting news for everyone in the media and for the international audience as well. One of the advantages of it, of course, is being able to watch it free of charge, not only on televisions, but on your phones as well. And the professional technological innovations (represented by launching FAST channels) will promote people-to-people exchanges and development cooperation," said Aminath Namza, chairwoman of the Public Service Media (PSM), the official state media in the Maldives.

"The initiative that we have today, FAST, will help us improve communication between our countries. Undoubtedly, video content that shows real life, which is relevant at the moment, is necessary for all of us," said Igor Lutsky, chairman of the Second National TV Channel (ONT) of Belarus.

The three new channels will focus on delivering specific content that meets the demands of overseas audiences.

The CGTN Global Biz channel aims to establish a round-the-clock financial information service platform. Featuring real-time financial news, market analysis, and in-depth interviews, it will help global viewers decode China's latest economic policies and market trends.

The China Travel channel seeks to spotlight China's tourism and lifestyle trends, serving as a window for the world to better understand the vibrant cultural offerings in today's China.

The Discovering China channel will showcase a selection of documentaries that reflect the achievements of Chinese modernization and highlight exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, presenting a panoramic view of China's development journey alongside the country's cultural charm. "I believe that the platforms offered by China Global Television Network in English, and the speed with which it delivers news, are crucial in the field of global digital media. And as I mentioned earlier, they are also important for conveying narratives from East to West in an objective, rapid, and comprehensive manner," said Firas Alali, head of programs and podcast of the UAE's Al-Ain News.

"I believe every initiative that widens these voices -- like the FAST platform -- is a space that multiplies the voices of the Global South. These are the voices that are resonating now and will keep resonating: strong, clear, and full of life. So, our congratulations for this platform, and we always wish to walk together, to walk well, all of us," said Monica Modina, founder of Bolivia's Popular Radio and Television (RTP).

According to CGTN, the three channels will air six hours of original programming each day, which will be broadcast in a daily loop, with the content coming from the organization's high-quality production resources.

Since 2023, CGTN has been working on advancing the FAST medium and has already promoted the CGTN English Channel and Documentary Channel on leading global FAST platforms.

As an emerging and fast-growing business format in the global television market in recent years, FAST TV features specialized content, recognizable branding, accessible programming and operational support via advertisements.

Media representatives welcome launch of CMG's specialized channels on FAST platforms

Officials and scholars discussed how to use emerging technologies to help better protect cultural and natural heritage while supporting sustainable development, at a dialogue event held in an east China city on Sunday.

The fifth Huangshan Dialogue on UNESCO-designated Sites and Sustainable Development opened in Huangshan City, Anhui Province on Sunday.

The dialogue has been included as an international conference under the United Nations' International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development framework from 2024 to 2033.

Representatives from UNESCO and local authorities discussed how digital technologies can help better protect cultural and natural heritage.

"We have been advancing AI applications in culture and tourism. Intelligent hiking assistance devices have completed public testing and are moving toward commercial use. Through digital technologies, we are bringing new vitality to precious heritage," He Yi, mayor of Huangshan City, said at the event.

Supported by the International Center on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under UNESCO, Huangshan has kept conducting research in climate change response, endangered species protection, and ecosystem monitoring through remote sensing technologies.

"We should deepen innovation in digital technologies for heritage conservation, strengthen intelligent monitoring and risk prevention, develop specialized technologies and equipment, and work toward international standards," said Guo Huadong, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of UNESCO's world heritage center, also hailed the important role of new technologies in heritage protection.

"These technologies are not only helping us generate new global knowledge to better understand the state, contribution and resilience of UNESCO-designated sites. They are also providing increasingly powerful tools to improve management on the ground," he said during the dialogue via video link.

So far, Huangshan has established a Protection, Management and Command Center for the scenic area, serving as the hub for digital operations and emergency coordination.

Officials, scholars discuss strengthening heritage protection through digital technology