History and Vision

NTDTV began broadcasting via satellite in North America in February 2002. In April 2004, it became the first—and only—independent Chinese-language TV network to broadcast uncensored programming into China. At present, the station's 24/7 satellite coverage reaches Asia, Europe, and Australia in several languages.

By the turn of the 21st century, it was becoming clear that the Chinese language media market in the United States was increasingly dominated by foreign government-controlled media outlets. This dominance was acutely felt by several groups of Chinese across the country who shared the experience of being persecuted in China, with their stories largely untold in the Chinese media. Many in the broader Chinese community also saw a strong demand and need for a truthful, uncensored source of information about China and a platform where the community's voice could be heard; people wanted an alternative. In 2001, a group of professionals and businessmen connected through their common practice of Falun Gong conceived the idea of an independent Chinese TV network and took the lead. Today, NTDTV enjoys widespread support from viewers, the Chinese community, NGOs, and loyal viewers inside China.

The founders of NTDTV have a vision to give a true voice to the global Chinese community, and to become a trusted source of information and knowledge for the wellbeing and advancement of Chinese people worldwide.

For example, in February 2003 NTDTV became the first media entity to broadcast news of the SARS epidemic to China—breaking the story fully three weeks before Party officials admitted to an outbreak.¹

The International Federation of Journalists has described NTDTV as having "gained an international reputation for its objective and timely reporting of political, economic, and cultural stories" since its founding in 2001.²

For its efforts, NTDTV has been described by the United States Senate as "pioneering" and a "unique information lifeline" for the Chinese people.³ The European Union has echoed this sentiment, remarking that "NTDTV is unique among television channels in bringing information on international and regional issues, pluralistic debate, and reporting on events in China to the Chinese audience, uncensored and in their own language."⁴

NTDTV seeks to cover issues of lasting importance to not only Chinese viewers, but also people across many cultures and languages around the world. To this end, it aspires to increase its international programming in the years to come.