China is set to create a new broadcasting behemoth by merging its largest state television and radio stations as it seeks to broaden its global news footprint and bolster its soft power abroad.

Television broadcaster CCTV and two state radio platforms, China Radio International (CRI) and China National Radio, will merge to become one platform charged with spreading China’s message beyond its borders, according to Chinese state media. The new entity will be called “Voice of China”, after the US government-funded “Voice of America”, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The new platform’s main responsibilities will be to “publicise Communist party theories, guidelines and policies” and “strengthen international broadcasting capacities”, according to an announcement in party mouthpiece People’s Daily.