BEIJING - One of the country's best-watched news shows is to be given a makeover, according to insiders at China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday.

Xinwen Lianbo, which runs every night at 7 pm on CCTV 1 and all provincial satellite channels, is expected to get new faces and a new focus in the makeover.

It is deemed the most important news program in China and is seen by many as the news outlet for the government.

"Lang Yongchun and Ouyang Xiadan (the new anchors) are filming a demo for the program," Yang Yu, a commentator for the State broadcaster, wrote on his Sina Weibo micro blog on Wednesday. He stressed that the news program needs to update its formulaic style and expand its team.

A CCTV reporter who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed Xinwen Lianbo will get a new digitally produced opening title, while the revamped program will debut late this year.

The new-look 30-minute newscast will likely incorporate a mix of in-studio reporting, guest interviews and on-the-spot reports to make it more interesting for viewers.

Jiaodian Fangtan, another popular news program focusing on in-depth coverage of hot social issues, will also get a makeover and will feature more investigative reports on topics like employment, environmental protection and affordable housing, the insider said.

Latest statistics from CSM Media Research, a Beijing-based television ratings analysis company, show that Xinwen Lianbo is the most-watched program in China, with an average audience share of about 17.8 percent. Jiaodian Fangtan is third with almost 11 percent.

Both shows have been the country's most authoritative news programs for years, boasting millions of loyal viewers.

Kou Fei, 24, an employee for a Beijing educational company who watches Xinwen Lianbo at 7 pm every day with her grandmother, said she hopes the program will keep its serious style.

"Considering its nationwide coverage and political influence, authority is a must," she said.

Cheng Manli, a professor at Peking University, welcomed the reform as the news programs are losing young viewers to Internet sources.

However, Yu Guoming, associate dean of the journalism school at Renmin University of China, said he believes CCTV will aim for a balance between the needs of the audience and its political function, adding that any change in the near future is unlikely to be an "overhaul".

Zhu Xingxin contributed to this story.

China Daily

(China Daily 09/22/2011 page4)