Edwin Maher. [Photo provided to China Daily]

There was even an Edwin Maher Appreciation Society organized by his appreciative audience.

He also has many fans in China, especially young students who grew up with his news, which coincided with an unprecedented enthusiasm for learning English among his viewers.

For many, watching English TV programs anchored by foreigners was the most accessible way to improve their listening and pronunciation skills.

Being stopped on the street, as people recognise him and pose for photographs is not uncommon nor surprising. He is after all, a regular part of many families.

But his journey to China came after the overwhleming grief of losing his life's anchor when Robyn, his wife of 33 years, died of brain tumor in 2000, leaving Maher and three grown-up children devastated.

"From the day of the funeral, I found myself directionless," he said. The loss gave him the impetus to try pastures anew which is when he applied to CRI.

More than a decade of living in China not only saw him in a job he excels at, but also a Chinese family with whom he will soon celebrate Spring Festival.

Maher met what would become his "Chinese family", Xu Donghai and his wife Zhang Ying after their son Xu Zheng of ered him directions when he got lost soon after his arrival in China.

"When I was first invited to their apartment, it was a rare chance to go inside the home of a Chinese family, they displayed what to me was extraordinary courage and hospitality," Maher said.

The word "family" is more apt than "friend" to describe such a close connection and knowing them has given him the drive to better speak Chinese.