CNN, 6 Feb 2013, Ying Zhu: "[T]he commercial underpinnings of CCTV shouldn’t disguise the fact that CCTV is ideologically driven, and its U.S. arm is the latest effort by the Chinese government to try to project the country’s soft power. As a result, for CCTV-America, ratings and revenues are secondary to a higher calling: polishing the image of China. ... For a start, there appear to be limits on controversial news that deviates from the Communist Party script, meaning it can get left behind when Western outlets are covering major news that could embarrass China’s leaders. ... This reality encapsulates the difficulty that CCTV-America finds itself in – how can it build international credibility while ignoring major stories about China that are being talked about by mainstream U.S. media? CCTV-International was established a decade ago to emulate CNN’s 24-hour open platform of news production, and Chinese officials no doubt hoped that the expansion of CCTV-International would see the channel become something akin to an Asian version of Al Jazeera, bringing alternative voices to an international audience. But while CCTV can be accessed on cable and satellite around the globe, CCTV-America is falling short of its hopes of providing compelling alternative narratives about China. CCTV might have aspirations to playing in the same pond as the likes of CNN and the BBC. But unless officials loosen their editorial grip, CCTV will remain gasping for air – and grasping for an attractive identity – in an increasingly competitive international market."

Indiantelevision.com, 4 Feb 2013, onpassing apparent press release: "CCTV America, the US production arm of China's CCTV News, has expanded its programming with the launch of a new two hour edition of Biz Asia America, 7 pm to 9 pm eastern standard time beginning 4 February. CCTV America was launched on February 6, 2012 to provide both North American and global viewers, additional perspectives on China, world and U-S developments. The move was part of the effort by CCTV News to increase the quality, breadth, and reach of the its global news channel founded in April 2010. The program combines business news with in depth global news reports from an increasing line-up of Correspondents across Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. The increase in broadcast hours allows CCTV America to explore comprehensively global issues which other news channels treat in a repetitive, headline format. The new programming team is anchored by Phillip Yin, Mike Walter, and Elaine Reyes in Washington and Michelle Makori in New York. Joining the CCTV America team, the newest addition is Anand Naidoo, former anchor at CNN International and Al Jazeera English. Special segments of the new program will highlight developments in new technology with regular reports from Silicon Valley. The two hour program also increases CCTV News' commitment to coverage of Central and South America. CCTV has also assembled a new team assembled in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo to explore the growth of Brazil. An expanded operation in Mexico City will complement a continuing presence in Havana, Buenos Aires, Bogota, and Lima to provide more extensive coverage of this region than any other English language news broadcaster."