Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CCTV-5 is occasionally worth turning on for sports coverage. Though it is entirely in
Chinese and broadcasts of international events not particularly international, it may pass if
you're keen.
In addition to CCTV's channels, there is also the local broadcaster, Beijing Television
(BTV,
www.btv.org
)
, another government-owned network. There are 10 major stations on
BTV, all in Chinese. Sports fans can also try BTV Sports Channel (BTV
体育
).
As for “cable” TV, it is actually all satellite. There are Chinese satellite networks, and
while extremely cheap, they just provide you with more Chinese-language stations from
around the country rather than any new international options. Legal satellite needs to be ap-
plied for, and so, for individuals, isn't usually possible to get. If you're set to live in a luxury
international housing complex, such as many of the estates around Shunyi, then it will quite
likely be managed by your clubhouse or property management office and be included in
your rent. Luxury hotels and sports bars are other places to visit if you have a dire need for
some international viewing. There is a delay on the televising of international satellite pro-
grams, allowing the government to monitor and censor sensitive content. From time to time
when controversial stories air, you may suddenly find yourself looking at a blank screen.
Locals have a way of getting around this, and there are numerous illegal operators out
there who will install a dish and set you up for possibly just RMB1,000-3,000 per year. Re-
ception for these can come and go as companies scramble their codes to try to throw off the
pirates. Your satellite operator can usually crack the new codes and will, possibly for a little
extra cash, supply you with the new ones.
Like TV, radio in Beijing is state owned and so, much like television, is a vehicle for pro-
paganda and news with a local perspective. If you can tolerate the phenomenal amount of
advertising, there are many stations to choose from, although most are in Chinese. Those
that are English-language or bilingual are run by China Radio International (CRI). While
the broadcaster airs its messages throughout the world, in Beijing its major stations include
Hit FM (88.7 FM), Easy FM (91.5 FM), and China Radio International News (846 AM).
CRI also airs such programs as China Drive, a bilingual news and lifestyle broadcast that
airs seven days a week 5pm-7pm on Easy FM, and Chinese Studio, a five-minute language
lesson that runs at the end of many programs, including China Drive. If you're fluent in
Chinese, you may want to visit
http://rbc.cn
for a comprehensive list of Beijing stations.
