Liu Changle is the man behind Phoenix TV; the network that currently operates six satellite TV channels, and manages many other businesses. The network was founded in 1996, with the philosophy of ‘reducing the distance within the global Chinese community and expressing the voice of Chinese to the world’.
Recipient to numerous accolades and honouree of various awards, Liu is a member of the International Board of the U.S. National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and a substantial shareholder of Asia Television Limited in Hong Kong. He also divides his time as a visiting professor and director of the board at a number of mainland universities, and as a doctoral adviser at the Communication University of China.
Liu will be awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award at the upcoming Asian Television Awards. The award honours a senior industry professional whose contribution to Asian television has significantly influenced the development and setting trends at the forefront of the industry.
“A ‘media figure’ is the best description of me and media work is my priority. Through my job, I can spread Chinese culture to the world as an envoy, and help China to exchange information and culture with other countries,” Liu said. From its humble beginning, Phoenix has developed from being a onechannel station into a multi-channel television broadcaster.
Current channels on air include Phoenix Chinese Channel, Phoenix InfoNews Channel, Phoenix Chinese News and Entertainment Channel, Phoenix North American Chinese Channel, Phoenix Movie Channel and Phoenix Hong Kong Channel. Of course, getting there was not an easy feat. As a devout Buddhist, Liu overcomes his challenges through Buddha’s teachings. “Concentration alone without wisdom leads to ignorance, and wisdom alone without concentration leads to delusion.
“Life is full of difficulties and challenges and everyone needs wisdom and courage to overcome them. One should stay calm and practice moral discipline whenever something happen,” Liu added. Phoenix prides itself in providing quicker and truthful coverage, proving so especially during the 9/11 tragedy where the network went live within minutes and gave 24 hour coverage.
Phoenix has also ventured into other projects such as a weekly magazine, outdoor mega LED advertising business, publishing, radio broadcasting, film and television production and education.
Most recently, Phoenix entered the new media scene with its subsidiary ifeng.com going public in 2011; consisting of an internet media website, mobile channel and video channel. The subsidiary provides premium new media contents and services for the mainstream Chinese community on a seamless platform.
In 2014, ifeng.com raked in over 300 million monthly unique visitors, and its mobile channels chalked up 30.5 million daily active users. In December 2014, ifeng.com was ranked 8th in terms of daily unique visitors among all websites in China. “Phoenix TV and ifeng is loved by all Chinese, home and abroad. Together with the rapid growth of the Phoenix Group, both of these give me a great sense of accomplishment,” he said.
