@Davidwilljack,

In defense of CCTV 9, its broadcasts are no more propagandised than what Americans find in the west. So called, Chinese "propogandised" newscasts are largely nationalistic, but for the most part, quite balanced considering there is a nationalistic bent to it.

Chinese people are news hounds, they take their news very seriously, they have very discriminating tastes, as it were, they can sniff out propoganda.

American "propogandised" newscasts, on the other hand, are largely commercialized, promoting ideas on behalf of sponsors or special interest groups. I remember talking with one of my Chinese friends from Tianjin who said he was preparing to take the American citizenship exam. I asked him if, once he becomes a citizen if he was planning on ever going back to China. He said, "I'm going back as soon as I become a citizen! What do I want to stay here for?"

This sparked a conversation that raised the question of special interest groups in America and their relationship to the political process and its effects on society in general. He told me, "In this country (America), everything is special interest groups. These days there isn't a law passed or an article published which hasn't been tampered with by some special interest group."

I have to wholeheartedly agree, so I suppose we just have to pick our propogandised poison.

Besides, I've never heard a Sinica podcast that hasn't been thoroughly prepared, meticulously researched, and exceptionally balanced.

Anyway, I for one, 100% trust Kaiser, and everyone at Popup. If there are any reference materials recommended by the educational staff, then they are purely for educational purposes and the betterment of we, the learners.

Keep it up Kaiser and Popup, we support you!