China has approved the creation of one of the world's largest propaganda machines as it looks to improve its global image, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The new broadcaster will be called "Voice of China," the person said, mimicking the U.S. government-funded Voice of America that started up during World War II to advance American interests. It was previously reported that the new entity would be created through merging China Central Television, China Radio International and China National Radio.
The combined group was designed to strengthen the party's ability to shape public opinion and would serve as a key vehicle for China to project its image to the world, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the changes haven't been publicly announced.