(Person) Percentage - Sabanci University Research Database

The Asian Media & Mass Communication Conference 2010 Osaka, Japan
convincing them of the market lucrativeness becomes the next hurdle for private
companies (see Zhao 2008, chapter 4). Most private production companies have
chosen various coproduction modes with state broadcasters, as both can exploit their
respective resources—for the private company it means a safety net and for state
broadcasters it means cheap and high-quality products. Dwelling Narrowness was
produced under such circumstances.
The state-private coproduced TV drama was first broadcast on local terrestrial
television stations, and then aired on many major television stations, including Beijing
TV and Shanghai TV (both of the most important metropolis broadcasters with
national satellite coverage). Despite its high rating, Beijing TV stopped its run on its
Youth Channel after 10 episodes was broadcast. Audiences immediately phoned in or
sought explanation on the Internet but was told that it was due to program
readjustment. Some vented their anger at SARFT, who in turn denied any ban of the
show. It was rumoured that Beijing TV was pressured by real estate developers to pull
the show off air, as it showed the dodgy dealings, illegal evictions and violence of
their own business. In Shanghai and Jilin, the TV drama was shown only once,
despite the high audience rates and popular demands for a rerun. Again, SRAFT has
denied any ban on the show. But insiders reported that television station directors
received phone calls from local governments who asked for a “cold treatment” of the
show—a new strategy of censorship by neglect. The local governments feared that
discussions and discontent arisen from the television drama would impede their
efforts to reform their housing policies. 5 Popular television, like the TV drama, would
normally serve to entertain the masses. It can also serve as an artistic expression and
forum for the discussion of topics that are otherwise debated in private or on the
Internet. Such an open discussion, however, was quickly snipped in its bud by the
underhanded dealings of the state censors and their business partners.
The TV drama is no longer shown on Chinese television, but has continued to be
viewed and downloaded on video sharing websites such as Youku (with over 1.5
million times streaming per day at tv.youku.com/woju) and on a range of the popular
tianya.cn’s public forums. It is one of the most discussed topics online. Online
5 Personal communication via telephone and email, 2010.
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