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?”
