China Global Television Network (CGTN) took home two awards at the 23rd Asian Television Awards (ATA) in Kuching, Malaysia on Friday.
Our programs "China's Youth Roasted for Becoming Buddhas" and "Mosul After ISIL" won the honors for the Best Single News Story/Report and Best Current Affairs Program respectively.
CGTN, which was competing against the work submitted by broadcasters and media outlets from across the world, received eight nominations in total.
CGTN's "China's Youth Roasted for Becoming Buddhas" and "Mosul After ISIL" won the honors for the Best Single News Story/Report and Best Current Affairs Program respectively. /CGTN Photo
This was CGTN's debut at the prestigious awards ceremony, and the glory comes shortly after the network celebrated its second anniversary on December 31.
The past two years have witnessed the rapid evolution of CGTN in the field of international communication.
Netizens congratulated CGTN for the accolades on its social media platforms.
The program "China's Youth Roasted for Becoming Buddhas," which has won the "Best Single News Story/Report" award, weaved together voices of the young people as well as actual Buddhism practitioners to dissect the latest fad, adopting a rather humorous touch while reflecting upon some of the underlying issues of today's society.
CGTN reporter Tao Yuan (R) interviewing a Buddhist monk. /CGTN Photo
"Mosul After ISIL," which has won the ATA for the Best Current Affairs Program, was telecasted as part of the CGTN's weekly current affairs program Assignment Asia.
The tragic battle to retake the city of Mosul from ISIL was one of the biggest international stories of 2017. It was a long and drawn out campaign that saw the displacement of more than a million people and destruction of several villages.
Through action-packed visuals, crisp editing, and innovative storytelling, the piece sought to answer the crucial question after the battle was over: "What happens next?"
A screenshot from "Mosul After ISIL." /CGTN Photo
Our bold and fearless correspondent Tony Cheng and his cameraman Florian Witulski relentlessly chased an answer to this question.
Both men not only recapped the nine months of the war on the front lines but also delivered a gripping picture of its human cost.
In his acceptance speech, Cheng said that this story is also a reminder to the world that both governments and people must remain committed to fighting terrorism and extremism. Since these threats to human society are here to stay, and they are not going to go away anytime soon.
The 23rd Asian Television Awards ceremony in Kuching, Malaysia, January 11, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Launched in 1996, the ATA is the most significant and celebrated event for the region's television industry, recognizing excellence in programming, production, and performance.
The awards attract a multitude of entries from over 1,300 participants annually. This year's awards had over 40 categories and represented the industry's foremost recognition by enjoying the support of almost every major industry player in the region.