Edwin Maher is a New Zealand-born broadcaster who made history on

China Central Television (CCTV).

 

Having worked as a broadcast journalist for most of his life, he was a highly recognized personality at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Melbourne for over 20 years.

 

But his history-making feat did not happen until March 2004, when he became the first foreigner to read the prime-time 7pm news - World Wide Watch - on the English channel, CCTV-9.

 

His appearance was watched closely not only by Chinese, but by foreigners including a reporter for the LA Times who did a front-page story which generated controversy as some US commentators claimed that Maher was a ‘mouthpiece’ for the Chinese government.  

 

Their comments were countered by social media supporters who said it was ‘typical of Western coverage of China’ and that Maher had become the latest target.

 

At the time of the controversy, Hollywood actor David Duchovny expressed interest in making a movie about Edwin’s story.

 

But as CCTV-9 developed and changed its identity to CCTV News, the initial uproar passed and Edwin continued anchoring alongside a passing parade of foreign faces whose appearances would generate far less controversy.

 

Edwin remained at CCTV for 13 years until stepping down in 2017 as CCTV News took on a new name under its latest guise, CGTN which stands for China Global Television Network.

 

He has written two books in China, My China Daily and his autobiography since coming to China, Caught on CCTV.

 

Edwin is now taking his story as a public speaker at a time when China is expanding its role as a major player in the world of international television news, alongside BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and RT.  His presentation is peppered with video clips of highs and lows in the Beijing and Melbourne studios.