A new China Central Television (CCTV) series recorded in Taiwan started screening simultaneously there and on the mainland this week, focusing on the lives of the island's residents.

The series began on July 11 and is scheduled to run daily at primetime on CCTV 1 until July 22, said its producer Liu Aiming.

CCTV, the state TV company, has cast one of its star anchors, Bai Yansong, alongside his counterpart from East-Taiwan Television, Lu Shio Fenn, to front each 25-minute episode. They lead audiences around Taiwan's major cities, introducing them to local culture and customs.

"We hope to let mainland audiences learn more about the life of common people in the island and let Taiwan compatriots voice their concerns to the mainland audience," said Bai.

Taiwan's authorities barred Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily from stationing reporters in the island as of April 10 this year.

CCTV is among the three mainland media groups left that can send journalists and photographers to Taiwan in monthly rotation.

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2005)