Chongqing Broadcasting Group
| Company type | State-owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, Television |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Chongqing , China |
Area served | Chongqing Municipality, nationwide (China), international |
| Products | Television channels, radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Chinese provincial government |
Chongqing Broadcasting Group (CBG; () is a state-owned television broadcaster based in Chongqing, located in southwestern China. Established in 1981, Chongqing Television has been a leading media outlet within Chongqing and its surrounding areas. Following Chongqing’s elevation to a direct-controlled municipality in 1997, the broadcaster became the official channel to showcase the city’s cultural heritage and development initiatives. In 2004, Chongqing Television merged into the larger Chongqing Broadcasting Group, which also includes the People's Radio Broadcasting Station of Chongqing and other affiliates, with its central offices situated in Jiulongpo District. Its principal channel, CTV (previously known as CQTV), is accessible via cable networks throughout urban China and is broadcast nationwide through both analogue and digital satellite platforms.
Overview of CBG Channels
Chongqing Broadcasting Group manages more than ten television channels, primarily focused on serving the Chongqing Municipality. The key channel, Chongqing Satellite Television Channel (CQTV-1), reaches audiences in over 25 provinces across China. Additionally, there is an international channel designed for viewers abroad.
| Channel | Former Channel Number | Channel Name | Content Focus | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQTV-Chongqing | CQTV | Satellite Channel | General programming | Broadcasts across multiple provinces |
| CQTV-Movie | CQTV-1 | Movie and TV Series Channel | Films and television series | |
| CQTV-News | CQTV-2 | News Channel | Coverage of local news events | |
| CQTV-Education | CQTV-3 | Science and Education Channel | Documentaries, science, educational content | |
| CQTV-Urban | CQTV-4 | Urban Channel | Lifestyle and fashion content focused on Chongqing | |
| CQTV-Entertainment | CQTV-5 | Entertainment Channel | Programming related to arts, sports, and entertainment | |
| CQTV-Life Info | CQTV-6 | Life Channel | Shows on shopping, leisure activities, real estate, business news | |
| CQTV-Comedy | CQTV-7 | Comedy Channel | Sitcoms and comedic content | Discontinued; content merged into CQTV-Fashion channel |
| CQTV-Fashion | -- | Fashion Channel | Fashion programs, local sitcoms, cultural shows; includes special Guangdong edition | |
| CQTV-Public and Agriculture | CQTV-8 | Public and Agriculture Channel | Rural culture, agriculture-related content, legal issues, tourism within Chongqing area | |
| CQTV-Children | -- | Children Channel | Cartoons, youth-oriented variety shows, classic foreign movies | |
| CQTV-International | -- | International Channel | News coverage, tourism information, cultural programs aimed at overseas audiences | |
| CQTV-Dress | -- | Fashionable Dress Channel | Ceased operations since 2015| | |
| CQTV-Auto | -- | Auto Channel (China Auto Channel) | ||
| CQTV-Colorful |
Controversy Surrounding CBG Talent Show
On 15 August 2007, the talent competition First Heartthrob (), produced by CBG, was halted following criticism from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) due to accusations of "stunts and sensationalism." SARFT mandated that CQTV take disciplinary measures against those responsible. The program combined elements typical of idol competitions and reality shows such as Super Girl and Big Brother, reflecting a broader pattern among provincial broadcasters attempting to emulate these popular formats.
Zhou Zhishun, the programme’s director, explained that the suspension stemmed from an incident on 12 August where confrontations between contestants and judges escalated emotionally on set, resulting in tears and loss of control. This incident triggered SARFT’s directive to restructure the show. Furthermore, SARFT emphasized the necessity for broadcasters to maintain political correctness and propaganda standards in anticipation of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, implying political considerations influenced the suspension.
Some Chinese media analysts supported SARFT’s intervention. Chang Ping, editor at Southern Metropolis Daily, pointed out that similar programs like Guangdong TV's Date With Beauty and Shenzhen TV's Super Date were also discontinued due to vulgar content. A survey conducted by China Youth Daily revealed that 96.4% of respondents familiar with First Heartthrob approved SARFT’s decision, indicating widespread public endorsement.
External links
- Chinese companies founded in 1981
- Television stations and channels launched in 1981
- Broadcasting networks in China
- Media outlets in Chongqing
- Enterprises headquartered in Chongqing
- 1981 establishments in Chongqing
- Organizations owned by Chinese provincial governments
- Government-operated media
- Television networks in China