2011-05-25 21:37

BEIJING - China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday officially launched its News Content Service to distribute video news for media outlets worldwide following a five-month trial run.

The service offers news packages covering China's politics, economy, culture and people's livelihoods, as well as major international events, according to Cao Ri, director of the International News Department of the CCTV News Center.

Currently, the service releases an average of 50 stories per day in various bit rates and formats to subscribers via international wire services, as well as an Internet-based "global distribution system," said a CCTV press release.

"The service is aimed at expanding the national television network's cooperation channels with media outlets in other countries, as well as providing the world with handy access to a more comprehensive understanding of China," Cao said Wednesday at the launching ceremony.

According to Cao, more than 700 TV broadcasters around the world, with two-thirds based in Europe and America, have already picked up video footage released by the service.

CCTV plans to offer 100 stories daily in multiple languages by the end of 2011 and provide customized news videos and live television programs in accordance with clients' demands, Cao said.