The news service, states Xinhua on their
website, will be called CNC and broadcast English news programs 24 hours a day, covering breaking news as well as major political, economic and cultural events from around the world.
The letters CNC are an abbreviation for
China Xinhua News Network Corporation, and Xinhua president Li Congjun said the following about the initiative:
"CNC will present an international vision with a China perspective. It will broadcast news reports in a timely way and objectively and be a new source of information for global audiences."
Proudly, the website declares that it received congratulations from many renowned news and television organizations, quoting a letter by Steve Capus, president of NBC News, as saying "Congratulations on the start of a most exciting venture. We wish you well and welcome Xinhua to the family of international news broadcasters."
A Chinese language CNC already exists, having been airing programs across the Asia-Pacific region, yet the new channel will also to Europe, North America and Africa, using satellite, cable, cellphone and, of course, the Internet.
Banner for CNC on the Xinhua website
Xinhua
Apart from having sent its own congratulations, the
BBC unambiguously notes how the launch is seen in the West, calling it "an attempt by China to develop its influence abroad and counter foreign media views." To counter such view, Wu Jincai, the controller of CNC World, is quoted as saying "We are a news channel, not a propaganda station." He also said that the channel was aiming to reach 50 million viewers within its first year with its objective coverage.
