It is the first time the two large media companies have co-operated in holding such a grand event.

Channel V started giving out Chinese Music Awards in 1994, aiming to promote Mandarin pop music throughout the world, improve communication between Chinese composers, music producers and singers, and publicize their works.

Over the past six years, the Awards have gained worldwide recognition in the media and music industries.

The ceremony has become a world-class music awards show and the grandest of its kind in Asia. More than 30 artists receive the honours each year.

The awards include Best Artist, Best Newcomer, Best Music Video and the China Special Recommendation Awards.

The voting campaign took place between December 11 and January 10. Music fans voted on the Channel V website, Netease 163.com, or through a national 168 hotline.

Ballot boxes were also placed in discos, pubs, shopping centres, cafes, campuses and cinemas throughout the country.

More than 3 million votes were received, according to Annie Ng, general manager of Channel V China, beating last year's total.

Channel V also organized some promotional activities in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai by Mo Wen Hui from Hong Kong, Zhang Yu from Taiwan, Sun Nan, Tian Zhen and Han Hong from the Chinese mainland.

World-renowned Chinese artists such as Jackie Chan, Jiang Wen, Hou Xiaoxian, Zhang Shuping, Zhang Yimou and Gu Changwei formed a review committee to choose the Best Music Video.

Lang Kun, director with the World Programme Department of CCTV, Shao Yide, music director with Channel V, Jin Tielin, president of the China Conservatory of Music, Luo Dayou, music producer and singer from Taiwan, San Bao, composer and pop music producer from the Chinese mainland and Gan Guoliang, a movie director from Hong Kong, will judge.

Organizing officials have said they will also invite public figures and popular stars from entertainment circles as guests to present the awards. Their names will be kept secret until the ceremony.

"We are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of holding the grand event in Beijing and co-operating with CCTV," said Annie Ng. "Riding on the overwhelming success of the last two awards ceremonies held in Shanghai in 1999 and in Beijing in 2000, this one can only be larger and better."

Channel V will televise the ceremony on January 20 in 53 Asian countries and regions.

CCTV's Channel 4 will screen it to the whole world on January 24, the first day of the Chinese lunar New Year, via satellite.

More than 30 Chinese local TV stations and cable TV stations will also broadcast the ceremony on CCTV Channels 1 and 3.

(China Daily 01/17/2001)