Hunan Broadcasting System
| Company type | State-owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Golden Eagle Broadcasting System |
| Founded | September 29, 1970 in Changsha, Hunan, China |
| Headquarters | Changsha , China |
Area served | China, Hong Kong, North America |
| Products | Television channels, radio stations, online platforms, media production |
| Owner | Government of Hunan province |
Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) (), previously known as Golden Eagle Broadcasting System (GBS), holds the position of China's second-largest state-owned television network, ranking just behind China Central Television (CCTV). This broadcaster is owned by the government of Hunan province and operates from bases in Changsha, Hunan as well as Xining, Qinghai. Since 20 May 2009, its services have been extended to audiences in Hong Kong and North America.
History
The origins of Hunan Broadcasting System trace back to 29 September 1970 when it started as a local broadcaster in Changsha. It expanded its reach nationally through satellite transmission beginning 1 January 1997.
The network’s flagship station, Hunan Television, introduced several influential programs including the variety show Happy Camp, which maintained the highest viewership ratings in China until 2008, when it was overtaken by Jiangsu TV’s If You Are the One. Additionally, Hunan TV was a pioneer in launching nationwide singing competitions such as Super Girl and Super Boy, both inspired by the British format Pop Idol. The channel also broadcasted well-received dramas like Palace and Scarlet Heart.
In 2009, Hunan Broadcasting System expanded its satellite channel portfolio by acquiring a 49% share in Qinghai TV.
Currently, Hunan TV stands as the second most-watched channel across China after CCTV-1, which is part of China Central Television.
In 2017, criticism arose from the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, accusing Hunan TV of prioritizing entertainment content over its responsibilities as a Party communication platform.
TV channels
| Channel | Content | Format | Launch Date |
| HNTV Satellite | primary Standard Chinese channel (free-to-air exclusively within Hunan) |
HDTV & SDTV | 29 September 1970 |
| HNTV Economic | channel focused on economics | HDTV & SDTV | 1 January 1996 |
| HNTV City | urban-themed channel | HDTV & SDTV | |
| HNTV Drama | dedicated drama channel | HDTV & SDTV | |
| HNTV Movie | movie-focused channel | HDTV & SDTV | |
| HNTV Aged | channel targeting senior viewers | HDTV & SDTV | |
| HNTV Show | entertainment-oriented channel | HDTV & SDTV | |
| Golden Eagle Documentary | documentary programming channel | HDTV & SDTV | |
| Aniworld | animation channel | HDTV & SDTV | 30 October 2004 |
| HNTV World | international Standard Chinese broadcast channel | HDTV & SDTV | 20 May 2009 |
Online television platforms include:
- Mango Television
- Qinghai Television, nationally broadcast with 49% ownership by HBS
- Happigo (subscription-based digital channel)
- Happy Fishing (subscription-based digital channel)
- Channel Tea (subscription-based digital channel)
- Table Tennis & Badminton Channel (subscription-based digital channel)
Provincial radio stations and frequencies:
- Hunan News Radio (MW 738; FM varies regionally)
- Hunan Economic Radio (MW 900; FM varies)
- Hunan Fine Arts Radio (FM varies)
- Hunan Traffic Radio (FM varies)
- Hunan Travel Radio (FM varies)
- Green 938 (FM varies)
- Super 893 (FM varies)
- Golden Eagle 955 (FM varies)
Additional holdings include:
- Mango Excellent Media
- Hunantv.com Corporation
- EE-Media
- Happigo Co., Ltd.
- Jin Yin Bao
- Mango Pictorial
- Xiaoxiang Films
- Mango Films
- Shineshow Media
- Genstone International
Production
Hunan Broadcasting System is known for creating influential shows like Super Girl, which is frequently regarded as China's counterpart to the UK's Pop Idol. By 2008, it also began broadcasting the Chinese adaptation of Strictly Come Dancing, a collaboration with TVB.
Hunan TV
- Happy Camp
- Day Day Up
- Super Girl
- Super Boy
- Strictly Come Dancing - Chinese adaptation (in partnership with TVB)
- Meteor Shower
- Bai Ke Quan Shuo
- Wo Men Yue Hui Ba
- Gelivable Sunday