Changes and development in Chinese television (CCTV) over the past 28 years have had profound effects on Chinese society. National News, which has the biggest television audience, has enabled the populace to know what is happening in China. Educational programming is given high priority through special telecourses presented for society in general, and through Television University and Television Secondary Schools, which act as supplementary institutions of regular education. Children's programs have constituted a considerable percentage of CCTV's overall programming since its early years. Targeted at preschool and school age children, these programs are varied in subject and lively and interesting in style and form. Sports programs are attracting ever-increasing numbers of viewers and providing impetus to the development of popular sports. A wide range of service programs help people with problems of daily living, while entertainment brings the performing arts to the viewing audience. Television influences viewers both directly and indirectly in the formation of standards of values and moral and cultural development. However, there is still room to improve the range of programs and transmission times to provide viewers with a truly public service. (CGD)