Reuters:

In China, as elsewhere, entertainment programming including television can reflect and shape ideas about changes in the economy and household economics. Just this week, China has announced an important series of stimulus measures for the economy. In your view, what kinds of economic narratives should programming include to support development? And alternatively, are there themes or narratives that would not be helpful?

Zhu Yonglei:

Thank you for your question and for your interest in Chinese radio, television, and TV programs. Let me attempt to answer this question. I've always believed that media, including radio and television, plays a crucial role in reflecting and driving socioeconomic development. It's been the ongoing responsibility of Chinese radio and television media and professionals to promptly understand the needs and sentiments of the people. Through news reports and radio and television productions, we aim to reflect and promote high-quality economic and social development, foster social fairness and justice, and enhance people's well-being.

I don't know whether you have or haven't watched a BRTV program called "One Step Forward," which takes viewers into Beijing communities, focusing on some of the conflicts that occur during community governance. Some of these conflicts can be very intense and this program does not avoid these conflicts, but instead truly covers them, taking viewers to see how Chinese people and the Chinese government use the institutional strengths of China and the wisdom of Chinese people to resolve conflicts in social development. Another example is CQTV's program called "Focus Today," which also uses regular and constructive oversight through public opinion to promote the governance of the entire city. Of course, there is also "Yicai" on SMG, which is also a recognized all-media brand, using all methods of media to truly reflect China's financial hot spots in all dimensions. Through years of operation, it has faithfully recorded and even advanced China's economic structural reform, as it has promoted the economic development of China through reporting.

Of course, all the programs I just mentioned are all news and financial programs. In the sphere of TV dramas, online series, online movies and documentaries, there are also many other works that directly focus on conflicts during China's economic and social development as well as reflecting the struggles of ordinary people. For example, series you all are familiar with like "Minning Town," "Bright Future," "The Long Season" and "Wild Bloom," and documentaries such as "Towards a Shared Future" and "A Long Cherished Dream," are some of these works. These works share a common feature, that is, through using literature and art they reflect some of the problems within China's economic and social development, including how to solve these problems, and reflect the fighting spirit of the people under the leadership of the Party and the government. Not only do these programs reflect economic and social development, but they also bring inspiration to the viewers, including many government officials, which in fact contributes to China's social and economic development.

There are good and bad times in life as well as laughter and tears. The reason why these works are recognized and loved by their audiences is that they are rooted in reality, face problems head-on and focus on the present. People can see China's economic development, social transformation, the indomitable fighting spirit of the people as well as the vivid practice of Chinese modernization.

In the next step, we will still need to work on two aspects: First, radio, television and online audiovisual media outlets should continue to record and actively promote China's economic and social development, so as to enable audiences and listeners in China and even around the world to have a comprehensive and accurate understanding of developing China in a timely manner. Second, more programs that express the fighting spirit of ordinary people and depict the development of our entire country in the new era should be created, so as to offer people who are working for Chinese modernization a boost in spirit. That's all from me. Thank you!