Chinese television shops for journalists in East Africa

According to the CCTV recruitment team in Kenya, the media house is looking for a team of TV anchors, journalists, reporters, cameramen, studio technicians, editors, and commentators to support its international broadcasting service.

Drive to become a global media network

The recruitment drive is part of CCTV's effort to become a global media network with increased international influence. The broadcast house currently operates six international channels in six different languages, including; Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic. CCTV also has 21 public channels and 19 pay television channels in operation in China with a focus on almost every aspect of the Chinese social life, according to information on its website.

In Africa, CCTV's international news channel is currently aired via several pay television platforms such as; StarTimes, and MultiChoice Africa's DSTV for free, just like other 24-hours news stations including; BBC, CNN, Sky News, Aljazeera and France24. Unlike CCTV, the well-established Western channels operate in the region with local stingers and correspondents. The establishment of CCTV's regional office also calls for a competitive human resource base to be relevant to its target audience. The television is now looking for journalist with over three years' experience of working within the television and media industry.

Create a human resources gap

It is also targeting studio technicians who possess over six years experience of working within the television media industry. The recruitment of such limited talent to fill CCTV's vacancies is likely to create human resource gaps in the region's heated media industry.

China Television's recruitment drive comes at a time when more international television houses are firming up their presence on the African continent. For instance, India's United Television recently launched its international movie channel in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa as it moves to strengthen its presence on the continent.

Africa has also witnessed the entry of major television players from Europe and China like; Star DTV, a growing multi-national pay-television channel with operations in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.