SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The move is seen as part of a sophisticated effort by Chinese officials to boost the country's image and influence in world, much as the BBC and the Voice of America do for Britain and the United States, the show business publication Variety reported Wednesday.

The newspaper said Beijing is spending $6.6 billion to upgrade Xinhua, China Central Television and the People's Daily newspaper, and the new television service will seek to provide an alternative to Western media outlets, especially on touchy subjects for China such as Tibetan independence.

Variety noted CNN's coverage of demonstrations in Lhasa last year was heavily criticized by China, which reportedly blocked Western news reports of the 20th anniversary of the crackdown on the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests.

Xinhua president Li Congjun said at a launching ceremony the TV news service would "interpret global events objectively and impartially from a Chinese angle and bring novel perspectives to foreign audiences", ultimately becoming "an important TV news supplier for the world's users."

The service is reportedly set to begin Dec. 31.

 BREAKING STORIES

Anna Nicole opera to be staged in London

Alan Tudyk joins 'Rockford' pilot

Oprah narrates 11-part nature series

Betty White to host 'SNL'

Roberts to star in Syfy's 'Sharktopus'

TV host driving 210 miles in coffee car

Mom: Sidibe will work despite weight

Report: 8 journalists kidnapped in Mexico

Conan O'Brien announces stage tour dates

Weight buzz doesn't prompt Simpson to diet

No charges for Belzer in grab incident

Mario Lopez says his girlfriend's pregnant

Mo'Nique returns to TV after Oscar win

Duff inks deal for young adult book series

'Spartacus' star diagnosed with lymphoma

Sister wants Wood death case re-opened

Staite, Maher to guest star on 'Warehouse'

Feldman grieving for lost 'brother' Haim

Charlie Sheen to return to 'Men' set

Garciaparra retires as a Red Sox