Yang Lan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yang Lan
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| 杨澜 | |
Yang in 2012
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| Born | March 31, 1968 Beijing, China
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| Nationality | Chinese |
| Alma mater | Beijing Foreign Studies University Columbia University |
| Occupation | Co-founder and former chairperson of Sun Media Group Philanthropist Author |
| Television | Yang Lan Studio |
| Spouse(s) | Zhang Yibin (divorced) Bruno Wu |
Yang Lan (Chinese: 杨澜; pinyin: Yáng Lán; born March 31, 1968) is a famous Chinese media leader, journalist, and talk show host. She helped start the Sun Media Group and the Sun Culture Foundation. In 2013, Forbes magazine named her one of the 100 most powerful women in the world.
Contents
- Early Life and Education
- Yang Lan's Career Journey
- Yang Lan One-on-One TV Show
- Awards and Recognitions
- Personal Life and Family
- Film Appearances
- Yang Lan's Olympic Roles
Early Life and Education
Yang Lan was born in 1968 in Beijing, China. Her mother was an engineer. Her father, Yan Mingfu, taught English at Beijing Foreign Studies University. He also worked as a translator for China's former Premier, Zhou Enlai.
School Days in Beijing
From 1980 to 1986, Yang Lan went to high school in Haidian District. Then, from 1986 to 1990, she studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature there.
Yang Lan's Career Journey
Yang Lan has had an exciting career in media. She started on local TV and then became a well-known host.
Starting at China Central Television (1990-1994)
In 1990, Yang Lan joined China Central Television (CCTV). She hosted a popular show called Zheng Da Variety Show. She worked with co-host Jiang Kun. The show was very successful.
Later, Zhao Zhongxiang joined her as a co-host. They worked together for two and a half years. In 1993, the CEO of Charoen Pokphand encouraged Yang Lan to study abroad. He even offered to pay for her schooling.
Studying in New York (1994-1996)
After four years, Yang Lan left the Zheng Da Variety Show. She moved to New York to study. From January to May 1994, she studied film at New York University. She wanted to focus on social and cultural programs, not just variety shows.
She studied journalism for two years. This included TV news and documentaries. During this time, she also created a show called Yang Lan Sight. It was for Shanghai's Dragon Television. In this show, she talked about American art, films, and society.
Graduating from Columbia University
Yang Lan earned a master's degree from Columbia University. She is now part of Columbia University's International Advisory Council. In 1995, she returned to CCTV for a short time. She hosted the International Collegiate Debate Competition.
In January 1996, Yang Lan came back to Beijing. She joined a celebration for the 300th episode of Zheng Da Variety Show. Many of the original hosts were there.
Working with Phoenix Television (1997-1999)
In 1997, Yang Lan became a spokesperson for Project Hope. This is a big charity in China. She saw the poverty in rural villages. This experience made her want to provide cultural journalism for Chinese people.
After graduating, Yang Lan joined Phoenix Television in Hong Kong in July 1997. This station showed news and entertainment across China.
Launching Her Own Talk Show
In January 1998, Yang Lan started her own talk show, Yang Lan Studio. She interviewed important people like George Soros and Andrew Grove. Her show was similar to famous interview shows in the US and UK.
In April 1998, she launched These Hundred Years. This show looked at history through documentary clips. In 1999, Asiaweek magazine named her one of Asia's top social and cultural leaders. She left Phoenix Chinese Channel in October to spend time with her children. Her two shows brought in a lot of money for Phoenix Television.
Starting Sun Media Group (2000-Present)
In 2000, Yang Lan and her husband, Dr. Bruno Wu, started Sun TV. This was the first Chinese history and culture channel. Sun TV worked with A+E Networks to adapt history programs for Chinese viewers. They also made their own Chinese shows.
On June 25, 2001, Yang Lan Studio became Yang Lan One On One. This show covered politics, culture, and the economy in China and worldwide. Yang Lan wanted the show to educate and inform. She focused on the personal stories and wisdom of her guests.
Challenges and Changes
Even though Forbes magazine named Sun TV one of the world's best small businesses in 2000 and 2001, it faced financial difficulties. In 2003, Yang Lan decided to sell a large part of Sun TV. She also left her role in the business.
In 2005, Yang Lan and Bruno Wu gave 51% of Sun Media Group to the Sun Culture Foundation. This is a non-profit organization. Yang Lan also stepped down from all management roles.
New Projects and Partnerships
In 2005, she created Her Village. This was a TV talk show for urban Chinese women. It grew into a community to help women. Yang Lan is dedicated to improving communication between different cultures.
In 2007, she announced a partnership with singer Celine Dion. They planned to start a jewelry company in China. They discovered they shared the same birthday!
Endorsements and Partnerships
Yang Lan has also worked as a spokesperson for several brands. These include Colgate toothpaste (2009), Nanshan Bywise milk powder (2010), and Deli stationery (2015).
Yang Lan One-on-One TV Show
Yang Lan One-on-One is a very famous talk show. It focuses on important people from politics, business, society, and culture. Yang Lan learns about their life stories, careers, and ideas.
This show has been on for sixteen years. It is one of the most respected talk shows in China. Yang Lan has interviewed many international figures and celebrities. Her guests have included Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, Nicole Kidman, Jackie Chan, and Kobe Bryant.
Awards and Recognitions
Yang Lan has received many honors for her work. She was an ambassador for Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games. She was also a Goodwill Ambassador for the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
She is a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics. She is also the first UNICEF Ambassador in China. Yang Lan has won awards like Chinese Women of the Year and the Global Leadership Award from Columbia University.
Personal Life and Family
Yang Lan was previously married to Zhang Yibin. Later, she met Bruno Wu in New York. They got married in October 1995. Bruno Wu comes from an important family in Shanghai. His grandfather was China's ambassador to the League of Nations.
Bruno Wu studied in France and America. He was running his own media company when he met Yang Lan. They returned to China in 1996. Yang Lan also wrote a book of essays called Enjoy Wind by Seaside. It sold 600,000 copies!
Film Appearances
Yang Lan has appeared as herself in a few films.
| Year | Title | Role |
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| 2010 | Celine: Through the Eyes of the World | Herself |
| 2013 | So Young | Herself |
Yang Lan's Olympic Roles
Yang Lan played many important roles for China's 2008 Olympic Games.
- September 1993: She represented China for the 2000 Olympics bid.
- July 13, 2001: She became an Olympic Goodwill Ambassador.
- June 9, 2004: She was an Athens Olympic torchbearer.
- January 2007: She was the executive producer and host of Olympic Songfest. This TV show chose the Olympic songs.
- August 8, 2007: She hosted the Beijing 2008 One-year Countdown program.
- May 4, 2008: She was a Beijing Olympic torchbearer.
- August 24, 2008: She hosted the Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
