China-backed APT Satellite Holdings aims to become the major outlet for mainland television broadcasters following a recent agreement with China Central Television (CCTV).
APT had strengthened its partnership with CCTV through an exclusive regional carriage agreement, executive director and president Chen Zhaobin said.
'Ten out of all 12 CCTV channels, except CCTV-4 and CCTV-9, will move to our satellite platform and they will rent about four or five transponders,' Mr Chen said.
Previously, CCTV used APT and other satellite platforms to target mainland and overseas viewers.
Mr Chen said the state-run broadcaster had now decided to switch all its direct-to-home TV signals to APT's regional footprint.
But it will also beam its signals via state-owned satellite player Sino Satellite Communication to target mainland rural audiences.
'Many mainland TV stations are planning to launch their channels via satellite to go abroad,' he said, adding that they would prefer to sign up with APT so they could be on the same satellite platform as CCTV.
