New CCTV head aware of Internet's role in the information era

A senior official from China's top radio, film and television watchdog was named president of China Central Television on Tuesday morning.

Nie Chenxi, from Lingshou county, Hebei province, is the deputy head of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, which announced his new position on its website on Tuesday. He is the 11th president of the television network since 1958.

Nie's predecessor, Hu Zhanfan, the former editor-in-chief of Guangming Daily, became president of CCTV in 2011.

However, in the past four years, the once-popular CCTV has been undermined by emerging Internet media and an anti-corruption sweep.

Nie published an opinion piece in People's Daily in October 2014 in which he said traditional media, including radio and television, should have the self-awareness to merge with new media. On March 25, he pointed out that the Internet will change the landscape of the radio, film and television industry.

Nie, 58, has no formal journalism and communication education or work experience in interviewing and reporting. He graduated from Fudan University as a computer programing major in 1980. Later, he worked for the Hebei Provincial Bureau of Statistics and other administrative positions in Hebei. In 2006, he became head of Hebei's publicity department.

Since 1991, all the presidents of CCTV have had rich experience in the journalism industry.

Yang Weiguang, who was in charge of CCTV from 1991-99, graduated from Renmin University with a major in journalism and worked in China National Radio as reporter and editor. Zhao Huayong, who was in the position from 1999-2009, graduated from Fudan University with a major in journalism and worked for CCTV for many years. Jiao Li, president of CCTV from 2009-11, worked in Liaoning Daily for 15 years. Hu Zhanfan, Nie's predecessor, also had experience at China National Radio.