FIRST OFF . . .

News reports from Ted Turner’s Cable News Network will begin airing in China in “several weeks,” the Atlanta-based cable company announced Monday. Under the terms of the agreement, China Central Television--which broadcasts to about 300 million people--will use CNN reports during its daily newscasts on two channels. CNN also will have the right to sell advertising in China, Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc. said. CNN currently has similar agreements in 53 other countries.