CRI听力:University students welcome TV series on anti-corruption efforts

A three-episode TV documentary featuring stories behind the campaign against corruption has become a hot topic among university students.

Covering over ten real cases, the series offers a comprehensive look inside the anti-graft stories, by involving interviews with informants, guilty officials, and discipline inspectors.

Jin Zhisheng, a postgraduate student from Beijing Language and Culture University, says after watching the documentary, he keenly felt the country's determination in combating corruption.

"It's very impressive. Through the TV series, I saw some party members and leaders, even some high officials, were stepping down overnight and ended up in jail, as they violated the law and discipline. This documentary is very authentic. Its scenes, depiction of the cases, and officials' tearful expressions of regret all look very real."

By exposing the luxurious lives of some former officials, and the cost at the public's expense, the series also offers analysis of the illegal behaviors and ideological transformations.

This is the second time China's top anti-graft watchdog has filmed a TV series focusing on corruption, following the eight-part 'Always on the Road', which debuted in October as a warning to discipline officers.

Jin says that this is an innovative way to publicize the anti-corruption efforts.

He notes that the documentary can better reach audiences as it is broadcast on multi-media platforms, including TV, internet, and apps.

"I think most university students, including me, are very supportive of the anti-graft campaign. I believe the good conduct of the Party and the government is vital to facilitate the shaping of a good social atmosphere and a harmonious society. The documentary is a creative and fairly acceptable way to educate the public, and inform young people with positive values.

Kong Xinfeng, political researcher with China National School of Administration, says anti-graft documentaries can exert a positive influence on the young generation’s outlook on life.

"The TV series has responded to many young people's top concerns in China. We see it has enhanced the social recognition of the anti-graft efforts. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences did some research in 2012, finding how the young generation feels more survival pressure, and has a lower sense of identification with China's political system, compared to the older generation. So we should pay high attention to young people's understanding of the campaign."

According to a survey done by China Youth daily in November, among the interviewees between 18 and 35 years old, nearly 60% of them agree the TV productions with anti-corruption themes have profound significance to current ideological and political education.

Last year, the Chinese authorities tried over 40 former officials at provincial level or above, handing out sentences to 35 of them.