Sponsored by China Central Television and Music Television, the most popular music channel in Asia, this year's show will grant 24 awards to both Chinese and foreign performers who have made a significant contributions to the Chinese music industry.

Chinese fans have been able to vote since June 28 for the best female singer and best male singer in various ways, including via the websites www.cctv.com and www.mtvasia.com, by telephone or by mail. Ten lucky voters will be selected to attend the ceremony.

Unlike other music award shows held in China, the CCTV-MTV event is continuing its tradition of showcasing international artists, making it a truly world-class event.

This year's ceremony will be broadcast on various CCTV channels to reach more than 120 million households in China, and on MTV channels globally, reaching more than 340 million households in 140 countries.

Meng Xin, the show's director and a director at CCTV, said: "The CCTV-MTV Music Awards are an excellent example of strong partnership and collaboration between two leading media, coming together to share their experience, resources and talent,

"It also promotes the development of the Chinese music industry in the international market," she said.

The CCTV-MTV Music Awards have been among the biggest annual international events that MTV hosts and can now be compared with the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards and MTV Movie Awards.

Li Yifei, managing director of MTV China, said: "MTV is thrilled to be able to co-host the event with CCTV to introduce Chinese pop music to the world. Over the past three years, these awards have really gained credibility in the industry."

(China Daily July 12, 2002)