CCTV-4, also known as CCTV International, is a satellite channel serving Chinese citizens living overseas, foreign nationals of Chinese origin, and Chinese living in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as foreign viewers who are interested in China. Using digital compression technology, CCTV International is broadcast all over the world through 10 transponders on eight satellites, ie, PanAmSat-2, -3, -4, -5, Galaxy-3, AsiaSat-1 and -2 and Hotbird-3. The transponders on AsiaSat-1 and -2 and Galaxy-3 transmit analogue signals in the Ku-band, requiring ordinary satellite dishes and receiving equipment. As the transponders on PanAmSat-2,-3,-4, -5 transmit digital signals in the C-band, of which the reception requires bigger satellite antennas and the D9223 decoder manufactured by Scientific Atlanta Corporation.

In recent years, in collaboration with a number of overseas TV rganization, CCTV has successfully expanded CCTV international's infiltration into local cable and DTH networks in many countries and regions in Asia, Africa, North America, Europe and Oceania. Meanwhile, over 1,200 cable TV stations within China carry CCTV International's programs.

CCTV International broadcasts 24 hours a day, in four units rotating every six hours. This arrangement enables audiences in different time zones to watch CCTV International at the time most convenient to them.

CCTV International is a general channel with programs focusing on news and current affairs. It also features economics, entertainment, sports, and children's programs, movies, TV dramas and documentaries. Among its most popular programs are "China News", "China Report", "Time Together across the Strait", "Across the Strait", "Travelling in China", "China Showbiz", "Joyful Gathering","Homeland in the East","Chinese Arts & Cultures", and "Chinese History". The channel also shows popular programs from CCTV's other channels, such as "Network News", "Eastern Horizon", "Cartoon City", "Golden Years", "Super Variety","Chinese Folk Art Stage", and "Chinese MTV".

To meet the needs of English-speaking viewers, CCTV International also
broadcasts, in three time segments, parts of the English language programming from CCTV-9, totaling six hours. In addition, CCTV International also carries two 15-minute news bulletins in Cantonese to meet the needs of Cantonese speaking viewers.