Self-mockery of CCTV broadcasters and employees – CCTV

China Central Television, commonly abbreviated as CCTV, is the only major broadcast television network in China. It is a totally state-controlled television service. Organizationally, it is sub-ministry of the People’s Republic of China’s central government within the State Administration of Radio, Television, and Film. Its news reporting follows parameters directed by the Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China.

The following video clip is of a skit performed at the station’s in-house celebration for Spring Festival (UPDATE: thanks to zhwj’s comment, I now know the clip is from a 2002 performance, even though it just showed up on YouTube. The video record of that internal performace was very popular among Chinese netizens, but the event was “criticized” by Party propaganda officials. It’s still worth watching now. ) After comicly replaying some of CCTV’s different programs and commercials, two employee/performers sang a rap modeled on Cui Jian‘s famous song, “Bushi Wo Bu Mingbai” (“It’s not that I don’t understand”). The following are excerpts from the CCTV performers’ lyrics, translated by CDT:

“No news shows are not truthful

No information is not timely

No programs are not excellent

No audiences are not loyal

No interviews are not comprehensive

No recordings are not lively

No perspectives are not brand new

No live broadcasts are not done perfectly.

All these years we could only do what we’ve been told

Tonight let’s be the master for once.

No national conferences are not succesful

No sports games are not intensive

No official speeches are not important

No applause is not thunderous

No festivals are not celebratory

No diplomatic meetings are not friendly

No participation is not enthusiastic

No performances are not award-winning

Oh go to hell, let’s quit

Many thousands time we ask ourselves, is this the kind of life any human being can stand?”

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