OKEMOS - In order to better serve the diverse cultures in the community, HOMTV looks for new ways to accommodate a more inclusive audience. This year, HOMTV is incorporating bilingual programming including a Mandarin version of the “Meridian News Now” newscast.

The Mandarin version newscast began airing on February 7, 2019 in honor of the week-long observation of the Chinese New Year.

“It is truly a historic moment at HOMTV to air our first program in Mandarin. This is something we have talked about doing for multiple years,” said Brandie Yates, HOMTV Executive Producer. “It is exciting we can provide this opportunity to our international interns and viewers.”

The HOMTV Internship Program hires multiple international and multicultural students each year. Mandarin speaking alumni members will return to HOMTV to translate scripts and anchor the Mandarin version of the newscast on a bi-weekly basis.

"Thank you for HOMTV that gives me an opportunity to anchor in my native language. I hope it would impact local Chinese community to learn the news around them and encourage them to be involved in the community," stated Lingfanglu Han, 2018 HOMTV Alumni Member and anchor of the first Mandarin version newscast. 感谢HOMTV给了我这个宝贵的机会让我能用自己的母语来主持新闻节目。我希望能通过这个节目来让中国社区了解身边发生的新闻，从而能够更好地参与到社区当中。

The Greater Lansing Chinese Association is also assisting HOMTV with the translation of scripts and continuation of this endeavor.