An official with China's Ministry of Education has called for
more television shows depicting positive role models to
counterbalance the wave of reality programs on Chinese screens.
Wang Xuming, the ministry's spokesman, said the flood of reality
shows has resulted in increasing numbers of Chinese children
dreaming of overnight success in show business.
"Stardom should not be the only dream of our children," Wang
told the China Youth Daily newspaper.
He was speaking in response to complaints that during winter
vacation, most school children had no other programs to watch but
reality shows.
"My child discusses the shows with her friends everyday, and she
wishes to become one of them, to become famous overnight", the
paper quoted an anonymous parent as saying.
The number of reality shows mushroomed in the aftermath of Hunan
TV's successful "Super Voice Girls", which attracted millions of
viewers. It is estimated that more than 500 such programs are now
on Chinese television.
"These shows overwhelm good programmes on more ordinary
vocations, making them seem trivial to the young people," said
Wang.
Wang cited the popular "Inspiring China" reality show on Central
Television, saying the star selection process hindered the young
contestants' development as it lasted a whole year.
"As an educator and parent, I feel powerless against the media,
" he said.
More programs should depict the country's scientists and
education workers to benefit the healthy development of young
people, said Wang.
"Mere entertainment cannot make a stronger China," said Wand.
"We need to maintain a pure and lofty environment for the next
generation."
(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2007)