Speaking during an international journalism internship programme in Beijing, Chen Guang, Head of CGTN's Planning Department, said the broadcaster has shifted from a transactional interview model to what it describes as a "living guest ecosystem."
"Inviting guests for interviews is only a small part of our work," Chen said. "The greater effort is devoted to building long-term relationships based on trust."
CGTN has established a database of more than 4,400 professors, think tank scholars, diplomats and business leaders. Supported by artificial intelligence and professional networking platforms, the system enables producers to identify experts whose expertise matches emerging global issues.
Chen said trust remains the foundation of the network's engagement with international contributors, noting that long-term relationships are developed through direct communication and continued collaboration. Beyond news interviews, CGTN regularly organizes international forums, exhibitions and dialogue platforms to strengthen exchanges with experts and opinion leaders.

Supporting this strategy is CGTN's "Super Task" newsroom management system, a centralized platform that coordinates round-the-clock news production. The command centre monitors dozens of international television channels and news agency feeds, enabling editors to respond rapidly to breaking developments.
During China's annual "Two Sessions" earlier this year, CGTN conducted interviews with 106 National People's Congress deputies, 84 members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and 96 foreign political leaders and ambassadors, demonstrating the network's extensive international engagement.
Looking ahead, CGTN said it will continue expanding its global network, with particular emphasis on amplifying perspectives from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, while promoting broader international dialogue and cross-cultural understanding through its global news platform.