CCTV's Yang Jun: Golden Eagle Forum Host Showcases Wit and Elegance
By renowned media professional Jing Shui Liu Shen | May 8, 2025 09:02
Steady Expertise and Quick-Witted Crisis Management
After months of preparation, the 2002 Golden Eagle Forum officially opened on December 20-21. The scale of this year’s forum surpassed previous editions, with guests hailing from the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Beijing, Shanghai, and other regions, reflecting its global reach. The event was held in the newly built Film and Television Convention Center, where crews worked overnight to set up the stage and audiovisual systems. Despite a grueling 10-hour rush, there was no time for rehearsals or technical run-throughs. With three days of live recording and multiple cameras and projection systems in play, Hunan’s media professionals demonstrated remarkable dedication to ensure the forum kicked off punctually at 8:30 AM on the 20th.
Though preparations were thorough, minor technical glitches—such as intermittent audio or computer issues—occasionally arose. This was where CCTV’s seasoned host Yang Jun shone. Drawing from her extensive experience, she adeptly filled gaps by swiftly introducing background information and speaker bios, seamlessly redirecting audience attention and maintaining the event’s flow. Her calm demeanor and professional poise earned silent gratitude from colleagues and ensured the audience barely noticed any hiccups. Attendees later praised her mastery, crediting the forum’s smooth execution to her expertise.
Humor and Vibrancy in Hosting
Balancing humor and professionalism in a televised forum is no small feat, yet Yang Jun’s innovative approach left a mark. For instance, Paul Shi, Asia President of Yingjia International Communications, delivered a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation on global media strategies with unwavering seriousness. Known for his reserved demeanor, Shi barely cracked a smile despite his youthful appearance and illustrious career overseeing cable TV operations across 13 countries. As he concluded with a curt “Thank you” and turned to leave, Yang Jun surprised him in fluent English: “Excuse me, Mr. Shi, may I ask you a question? How old are you?” The translator burst into laughter before relaying the query, prompting chuckles from the audience. Finally breaking into a grin, Shi replied wryly, “I am one year older than last year.”
Agile On-Site Interviews
Cheng Jialing, Chairperson of the Chinese News Association in Taiwan and President of Shih Hsin University, was a keynote speaker at the forum. An economics Ph.D. from the University of Hawaiʻi and sister of Cheng Siwei, former Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, she eagerly shared insights on Taiwan’s media landscape. During her speech, she highlighted her Hunan roots, expressing joy at returning to her ancestral home. Seizing this connection, Yang Jun approached her post-speech for an impromptu interview: “Ms. Cheng, I’ve just learned you’re from Hunan. Could you greet our local audience?” Cheng warmly exclaimed, “Hello, fellow Hunan compatriots!”—sparking thunderous applause and movingly underscoring cross-strait kinship. Attendees marveled at Yang’s media savvy in bridging divides through a simple gesture.
Fluent Professional English Exchange
A standout feature of the forum was its international roster of media experts, many holding pivotal global roles. Guests like Chen Yongguang (Vice President and General Manager of AOL-Time Warner’s CETV), Shen Jie (former lead designer for Fox News Network), Chen Jiande (Sony Pictures’ China Chief Representative), and Dr. Haeins Lee (Dean of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications) delivered highly prepared, insightful speeches. Given their Western educations and careers, many were more comfortable in English. Yang Jun navigated complex media terminology with ease, seamlessly translating and engaging guests in nuanced discussions. Her fluency not only facilitated dialogue but also elevated the forum’s professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on global participants.
