TV festival raises curtain, celebrating achievements of China’s TV personalities

The 16th Shanghai Television Festival raised its curtain at Pudong\'s Grand Theatre of OTV Masion last night with a grand ceremony honoring 85 domestic TV anchors who have made great attributions to China’s TV industry over the past 30 years.

 

These influential figures in China\'s TV industry include Zhao Zhongxiang, one of China’s most recognized faces on TV who served China Central Television (CCTV) for 50 years, Jing Yidan, reputed news anchorwoman and Cao Kefan, one of Shanghai’s most well-known TV personality. China saw the first TV program host on a CCTV program called "Observation and Thinking" on July 12, 1980. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the birth of this profession in China.

 

The opening ceremony reviewed the vicissitude of domestic TV industry, analyzed the current status of TV hosting personalities and discussed future challenges. It also showcased changing hosting styles of China’s TV personalities, from appearance, language to interactivity with audience.

 

Cao Kefan, known for his talk show program "Kevin Hour," was honored for his versatility and honesty on screen last night.

 

"Nowadays, many TV hosts are also involved in the whole production process of a TV program, from its early planning to post-production," he said. "A TV host now has a new role in TV programs. He should develop his own personality and can view issues from a unique angle and perspective."

 

The festival, which runs through Friday, will feature the Magnolia Awards for international television productions, an international film and TV program fair, an animation project pitching competition, an industry forum, a student television festival, among other things.

 

By Xu Wei