Shanghai Television (STV) began broadcasting on October 1, 1958 and transmitting color TV programs in October 1973, at the immediate heel of China Central Television (CCTV).

STV has more than 1,000 employees. It has established business cooperation with nearly all major television networks in the world.

STV has two channels, one focusing on news, finance and education and the other on arts, sports, movies and plays.

The television station broadcasts 36 hours of programs every day and develops 3,000 hours of programs a year. STV owns the only art film studio in China, which produces 1,500 minutes of art films every year as of end-1997.