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186 channels
Chinese television broadcasting is a fascinating landscape, largely defined by its immense scale and the central role of state broadcasters. CCTV, the national powerhouse, sets much of the tone, complemented by a myriad of provincial and municipal networks. This isn't a free-for-all commercial market; content often carries a specific message, whether it's news, educational programming, or even entertainment. Primetime viewing is a family affair, typically kicking off with the evening news bulletin, an institutional staple like CCTV-1's "Xinwen Lianbo," followed by a hefty block of drama or popular variety shows. Dramas are incredibly popular here, ranging from historical epics that dynastic tales to contemporary urban narratives exploring modern Chinese life. Reality and talent shows, often adapted from international formats but given a distinct local flavour, also command massive audiences. You'll find a strong emphasis on dubbing for imported programming, even for films and cartoons, ensuring everything is accessible in Mandarin. While Mandarin dominates, regional channels cater to China's rich linguistic diversity, with channels broadcasting in languages like Tibetan in autonomous regions. The sports scene is vibrant too, with live broadcasts of international football and basketball drawing huge viewership, especially on channels like CCTV-5. What truly sets Chinese TV apart from many of its regional neighbors is this cohesive, top-down approach to programming and narrative, paired with a relentless focus on domestic content creation. It results in a highly polished, culturally resonant viewing experience, albeit one with a very particular lens.