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

Rescue and recovery crews worked through the night in the critical hours after Typhoon Dolphin hit Yuhuan of Taizhou City in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday afternoon, with personnel braving the weather to clear fallen trees and repair power systems in the city which bore the brunt of the initial landfall.

Typhoon Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the year, made landfall in the county-level city of Yuhuan at around 17:30 on Sunday, with the maximum sustained wind near the typhoon center hitting Force 14, or 42 meters per second, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

Emergency teams braved the extreme downpours and strong winds in the Yuhuan area as they sought to repair damaged infrastructure and clear away fallen branches and collapsed trees, with heavy machinery brought in to assist the operation. Due to these overnight efforts, the city's major roads were all cleared by the next morning.

"The biggest problem Typhoon Dolphin has left us within Yuhuan is fallen trees. To ensure 24-hour road accessibility, we worked with Yuhuan's dedicated fire truck crews and leaders from all sectors, to keep the main roads of the Yucheng district clear around the clock. No matter what the typhoon brings, we stand ready at our post at all times," said Lin Xiangbiao, head of the Yuhuan Red Eagle Rescue Team, an emergency response group which was mobilized.

The intensity of the typhoon has also impacted on the electricity supply in local areas, with more than 600 households suffering power cuts in a village on the outskirts of Yuhuan.

Maintenance workers have been busy in their bid to restore these supplies as quickly as possible, with most urban zones now re-connected, with work continuing in the outlying mountainous areas.

"The high-voltage wires on this pole got twisted together in the storm, causing sparks which caught fire. We're working to replace it right now," said Wu Jinxin, a staff member of the Huanshan Power Supply Station.

Rescue crews work round clock to clear Typhoon Dolphin damage in Zhejiang