Huang Jianxiang.[File Photo]

Huang announced yesterday on his personal blog on sina.com that he has signed on with Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV and is to host a new program, sina.com reported.

A current online survey conducted by sina.com shows that over 70 percent of tv audiences are happy that Huang is doing the new program.

Huang also revealed his new program would be a daily sports talk show, and acknowledged the support of his fans.

Huang quit state-run China Central Television (CCTV) in the middle of last month because of rumors of a feud between himself and CCTV, originating from his outburst during the Italy/Australia match during the last World Cup.

Since then, rumors circulating about whether he would stay with CCTV or leave have been at the centre of the media spotlight. Shanghai Media Group took the initiative in offering Huang a job, as sports reporting is a focus for the Group's Dragon TV. Jiangsu TV offered the sports host a 200,000-yuan salary, but he turned it down. According to industry rumors Chongtsing TV also tried to woo Huang with a contract said to be as high as one million yuan a year.

There are also rumors that Huang has his eye on the entertainment industry. H. Brother, China's top music corporation claims they are planning to put out Huang's first single song within the year.

"I have hosted and helped produce a sample of my new program," Huang wrote in the blog. "It will broadcast on the first day of 2007."