BEIJING, April 7 -- State-run China Central Television (CCTV) network has been appointed a new head by central authorities, the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) said on Tuesday.

Former president of CCTV Hu Zhanfan was removed from the post due to his age, and Nie Chenxi, former deputy director of the SAPPRFT has become Hu's successor, the administration said in a statement on its official website.

"Hu is politically steadfast and has taken a clear-cut stand on cardinal questions of right and wrong, keeping highly consistent with the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) inwardly and in action, making great contributions to the development of CCTV," the statement said.

Nie, with good political qualities, ideas and faith, strong leadership and coordination as well as moral integrity, is a fit person for the post, it said.

The Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Publicity Department, and the SAPPRFT jointly made the announcement at a CCTV conference attended by officials of the TV station.