State Media: China Launches National Internet TV

WASHINGTON, December 29, 2009 – China’s national broadcaster has launched the country’s first national internet television, state media reported Tuesday.

“The website, which reportedly received 200 million yuan ($29.4 million) in government investment, is expected to generate stiff competition to popular domestic sites and some mainstream media as well,” states the publication.

China Daily said China Central Television is offering 20 channels or about 750 hours of programming each day on news, sports, entertainment and video-on-demand services. The launch also reportedly comes “after recent government efforts to shut down more than 500 file- and video-sharing websites for pirated and porn content.”