#China #FAST Channels #Xi'an #CMG #CGTN

Introduction

In an era where streaming services dominate, China's media landscape continues its evolution with bold initiatives. On November 6, 2025, the China Global Television Network (CGTN), part of the China Media Group (CMG), made headlines by officially launching three new FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) channels. This ambitious move aims to engage with a global audience that is projected to number around 200 million viewers.

Overview of the New Channels

The channels, CGTN Global Biz, China Travel, and Discovering China, will operate 24/7 across 15 major international FAST platforms. This development is pivotal not just for CMG, but also for international media, as it signifies a strategic push to diversify content and enhance viewer engagement beyond traditional broadcasting methods.

CGTN Global Biz

The CGTN Global Biz channel is designed to cater to viewers interested in business and economic news. With a focus on providing real-time financial information, market analyses, and in-depth interviews, this channel aims to help international viewers navigate the complexities of Chinese economic policies and market trends. This focus on timely and relevant business content reflects the growing demand for financial literacy in a globalized economy.

China Travel

The second channel, China Travel, takes a different approach by shining a spotlight on the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and tourism. This channel is set to unveil the latest trends in travel and lifestyle within China. It seeks to provide an immersive experience for viewers, helping them to understand and appreciate the dynamic cultural offerings of contemporary China, thus bridging the gap between nations through shared experiences and knowledge.

Discovering China

Finally, the Discovering China channel will primarily feature documentaries that highlight the successes and advancements of China’s modernization efforts. The intention here is to promote mutual understanding among civilizations by showcasing China's cultural heritage, economic progress, and social development. This channel aims to offer a panoramic view of China's multifaceted journey into modernity, offering insights into how ancient traditions coexist and evolve within a contemporary framework.

A Strategic Move in Global Media

The launch event coincided with the inaugural meeting of the “Global South Media Partners” mechanism and the 13th Global Video Media Forum held in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, a city known for its historical significance and cultural richness. CMG’s foray into these specialized FAST channels represents a significant step forward in its international communication strategy, reflecting its commitment to innovate and adapt in an increasingly interconnected world.

These channels promise six hours of original programming every day, crafted from high-quality media production resources. Since 2023, CGTN has been at the forefront of advancing FAST media, already promoting its English language channel and its documentary offerings on major global FAST platforms.

Conclusion

FAST TV has become a rapidly growing commercial model in the global television market, offering specialized content paired with recognizable branding. The channels developed by CGTN symbolize a recognition of the demand for accessible programming supported by advertising, creating new avenues for global audiences to engage with Chinese media.

The successful implementation and reception of these channels could foster greater cultural exchange and understanding, setting a precedent for how media companies can thrive in a competitive landscape by embracing change and innovation.