CCTV is not a good source for news. The only thing I've seen resembling proper coverage was the funeral of the Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il and of course some of the Chinese space stuff.  They are always way behind current events. I usually read news on a couple of web sites like BBC, CNN etc. I find they have way more news about current events in China, than any Chinese media. 

Many foreign journalists working in China for foreign media will use Weibo and other online sources to dig up stories, then investigate, then report. 

I have not ever seen similar things happen back home. But e.g. if a German goes to France and does a crime, then that story would likely be picked up by French media first. 

At home you simply read several sources for a broad spectrum of news. For example there are numerous websites providing financial commentary encompassing the world markets. I favor Reuters and The Economist among others.

For a different angle, or 'take', I read the BBC, Guardian and other foreign websites.

For various reasons I don't believe Chinese news sources have a record of reporting relevant significant news before other sources.

Living in China cause me to consider sources outside my home country and I must say I am much better off for it. Imagine that: there are educated, smart, knowledgeable and experienced people all over the world.