Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) (simplified Chinese: 湖南广播电视台; traditional Chinese: 湖南廣播電視台; pinyin: Húnán Guǎngbò Diànshìtái) formerly known as Golden Eagle Broadcasting System (GBS), is China's second biggest state-owned television network after China Central Television (CCTV). The television network is owned by the Hunan provincial government. The network is based in Changsha in Hunan and Xining in Qinghai. On 20 May 2009, the television network expanded its service to Hong Kong and North America.
Hunan Broadcasting System first aired on 29 September 1970 as a local television station in Changsha, Hunan province, China. It expanded its network through nationwide satellite television on 1 January 1997.[citation needed]
Hunan Broadcasting System's nationwide channel Hunan Television created Happy Camp, one of China's first variety shows. Happy Camp remained as China's highest-rated TV show, until its ratings were overtaken in 2008 by Jiangsu TV's If You Are the One. Hunan TV was also known for launching national singing contests Super Girl and Super Boy fashioned after the British series Pop Idol. Hunan TV also aired many highly rated dramas including Palace and Scarlet Heart.[citation needed]
Hunan Broadcasting System took a 49% stake in Qinghai TV in 2009, increasing the number of satellite channels in its roster.[citation needed]
Hunan TV is currently China's second most-watched channel, second only to CCTV-1, owned by China Central Television.[1]
In 2017, the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party criticized Hunan TV as a "platform for gay entertainment" and for having "failed to fulfill the mission of being a mouthpiece of the Party."[2][3]
Online TV:
Radio Frequencies (Provincial broadcasts only):
Other assets:
Hunan Broadcasting System has broadcast notable programming such as Super Girl, often referred to as the Chinese version of the United Kingdom's Pop Idol.[4] As of 2008[update], it is airing the Chinese version of Strictly Come Dancing, a co-production with TVB.[citation needed]