TV censor triggers public outcry

• Source: Global Times
• [03:49 December 17 2009]
• Comments

"As an official speaking on an official occasion, he should not come to such a conclusion so rashly," she said.

But she added that the search into Li's life is an act of "website violence" and infringement of privacy, and it should not be encouraged.

Zhang Hongfeng, an outspoken blogger, also wrote, "Web users have been furious with the drama's suspension from the screen. Li's words add fuel to the fire."

"Snail House was shown after being given a green light earlier by the watchdog. What Li said was actually criticizing his colleagues for promoting vulgarity and corruption," Zhang said.

The official's criticism came on the heels of a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences saying that housing prices in China have been beyond the reach of 85 percent of mainland households.

And Lu Di, a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University, told the Global Times that the official had actually promoted the program by criticizing it publicly.

He said the Internet is an open platform where everyone has the right to voice their opinions, and as a public figure, the official should learn to accept the multiple voices of society.

Another perspective came in the form of an editorial Wednesday by the Shenyang Evening News, "If someone is to blame, it's maybe the TV series' fault to present ordinary people's lives too vividly and truly. The white collars' inability to afford homes, official corruption and mistresses are just aspects of life."

Song Shengxia contributed to this story