Effective Tuesday, viewers in Macao can watch CCTV-5, China Central Television's Sports Channel, right from their television sets. 

China Media Group (CMG) and the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) jointly hosted the launch ceremony on Tuesday. 

Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and CMG President, together with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, attended the ceremony. 

Macao television audience can now watch CCTV's Sports Channel in the comfort of their own homes. It will be available on channel 79, and will provide sports news coverage and live sporting events in China and around the world.

At the ceremony, President Shen Haixiong of CMG said this is a gift to celebrate Macao's 20th return anniversary.

"China Media Group's CCTV sports channel is a world-renowned, influential sports channel. We believe, its airing in Macao will have an important influence on enriching the cultural lives of Macao's residents, as well as raising Macao people's awareness of the mainland's sports industry development and the country's achievements," Shen said. 

"As a new model for media cooperation, China Media Group will support more quality programs to land in Macao, and benefit Macao people," Shen added.

"The CCTV sports channel's landing fully reflects the central government's care for Macao residents. It also shows that China Media Group is answering Macao's long-time wish, followed by the launching of the Comprehensive Channel in 2016. It'll help boost cultural exchanges between Macao and the mainland, and push forward Macao's social and economic development," Macao Chief Executive Chui Sai On said at the ceremony. 

Through the cooperation with TDM-Teledifusão de Macau, S. A. (TDM Macau), CMG will air major sports events from China and around the world to Macao people as they happen, as well as provide them with exciting sports coverage. 

Media is a major area of cooperation between the mainland and Macao. Since 2000, China Central Television has been corresponding with many media outlets in Macao. The International Chinese Channel and English Channel, now CGTN, arrived in Macao successively, followed by popular programs and documentaries. With the landing of the Sports Channel, China Media Group now has nine channels airing in Macao in total. As it's building itself into an influential international media conglomerate, the group says it will continue to dedicate itself to telling the stories of Macao.