Belated Apology From China’s State TV After Parents Riot Over Ads
What Went Wrong?
On the evening of September 1st, China’s flagship broadcaster chick‑ed out a massive ads marathon before the highly‑anticipated “First Lesson of New Semester” show. Parents and pupils were supposed to tune into a 100‑minute learning extravaganza, but instead got 12 minutes of pushy commercials about cars, scooters, toothpaste and stationery.
Why the Outcry?
- Car & scooter ads clung to the screen like gum on a shoe.
- Toothpaste commercials made a weird attempt at hygiene.
- Stationery ads felt a bit out of place in a watch‑the‑lesson night.
State TV’s Quick Gesture
CCTV, the state broadcaster, posted a heartfelt apology on Weibo (think of it as China’s Twitter) apologizing for the “long TV commercials” and promising to cut the ads next year.
Adding to the Drama: The Pop Band Issue
As if the commercials weren’t enough, the opening concert featured an all‑male pop group that some parents described as “effeminate.” One parent tweeted, “If our youth is effeminate, so will the country be.” The mood was already salty, so this only added more heat.
Parallel Skirmishes in Southern China
Meanwhile, in Leiyang, Hunan province, parents flung bottles, bricks, and even firecrackers at officers during an angry 600‑person protest about school enrollment. Police detained 46 people that day.
What Parents Are Really Saying
“Are you so short of money?” a user scolded, hinting that the tutoring ads were a heartbreaking reminder that many parents need extra support for their kids to climb the grades ladder.
In short, the combination of intrusive advertising and off‑beat musical choices left many parents shouting “Enough!” for a short but unforgettable 8‑p.m. television moment.
