China Central Television promises ‘Good Fortune’ for Pacific Island Countries

In a meeting with the Deputy Editor of China Central Television, Mr. Zhutong and his associate Ms Wang Xiongxian the Deputy Director of the International Promotion Center at CCTV, the Pacific Media delegation was given the opportunity to speak face-to-face with the top power people of the company and gain some fruitful benefits.
Opening the meeting Zhutong gave a brief history on the upbringing and development of CCTV also predicting a very ‘fruitful’ discussion with us. Up until today, CCTV is China’s leading and most successful television broadcasting station, which has an audience view count of over 1.2million domestically and is accessible to over 150 international countries around the world. CCTV is delivered through 7 channels internationally, but has over 20 channels altogether. “Our big aim right now is to be the leading media agency world-wide.”
“We want to be able to broadcast as far out as we can.”
Zhutong would like to CCTV more involved with the Pacific Island countries as they see its benefits working in both ways.
Currently CCTV broadcasts to Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga through its CCTV Channels 4 and 9. Both Tonga and Samoa has being receiving CCTV since 2004, and after yesterday’s talks with Zhutong and Ms. Wang, Managing director Matafeo Faiesea of Samoa TV registered her interest in receiving CCTV most recent ‘baby’, their CCTV Documentary channel which was launched in January this year. Fiji Broadcasting Centre will also be receiving this new program this year.
The Federated States of Micronesia is unable to be reached by CCTV as its satellite transmission is only limited. Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands are yet to work on an agreement with CCTV.
In a private discussion with Ms. Wang I was able to question CCTV’s potential plans for the Cook Islands. Agreeing to fully assist with extending CCTV’s reach to the Cook Island, Wang is more than happy to speak with the directors of the Pitt Media Group, Cook Islands Television and hopefully come to an agreement.
Wang told me that CCTV is willing to send some programs for television broadcasting in the Cook Islands ‘free of charge’. “I am most happy to talk with CITV directors, that way we can reach another Pacific island country.”
CEO Jeane Matenga will soon be in touch with CCTV.
Also brought up for discussion was whether CCTV offers attachment programs for Pacific island media personnel. Not yet being looked at Zhutong is more than happy to convey this idea to the state owners of CCTV. Leader of the Joint Press Delegation Johnson Honimmae asked if this could be a possibility, that way pacific journalists will gain more experience and exposure to international issues, having said that CCTV was hugely involved with broadcasting the Japan earthquake and Libyan Rise.
Zhutong has promised to look into this kind of program and also understands the opportunity benefits for both the attachment and the company. CCTV has about 60 correspondent journalists outside of China and they anticipate on a further 80 by the end of 2011. This could actually increase if such program as the pacific island attachment would be launched. Then CCTV will have correspondents in the Pacific region. - Harriet Tuara

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009