Originality and sustainable business operation play essential roles in foreign-oriented programs, a senior media professional suggested this week.

Helene Zhuge, CEO of the Blue Ocean Network (BON TV), made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on July 8.

According to Zhuge, BON TV, launched in 2006 and introduced in the United States in September 2009, is the first and only independent 24/7 English-language television network based in China to offer native speakers programs about the world's largest developing country. The programs, ranging from news, business advice, modern arts and travel tips to Mandarin learning and Chinese cooking, explore the country in multifaceted ways using audience-friendly approaches.

BON TV has the credibility to cover what state-run organizations and foreign correspondent agencies cannot, Zhuge said.

"Every program we produce is original because we'd like to offer foreign audiences the content they want to know about China," Zhuge said. "There is huge room for us to introduce and explain things happening in China to foreign audiences. At the same time, we see the market for this.

"Our next goal is to land through cable and satellite TV in as many overseas countries as possible," she added.