CCTV Discovery. 9

Author: Xue Jijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: What does Discoveries hope to bring to its audience? What have the creators gained from this journey of discovery? The answer is not immediate. A new program format must go through stages of creation, growth, and maturity. Therefore, the program's positioning and target audience, including its presentation methods and unique charm that distinguishes it from similar programs, are all gradually clarified through exploration. For young creators of programs, as a popular saying goes, they naturally hope to satisfy themselves while contributing to others. If this can be achieved, it can become a passionate and fulfilling era. In fact, these are the inner thoughts of the program's creators, rarely shared openly. As mentioned earlier, the program's inception was also a trial-and-error process, but it did not lack an original concept. To better explain Discoveries, it is necessary to first discuss what we did not want the program to be. First, it is not a traditional science education program; it cannot dive headfirst into the ocean of knowledge and lose itself. Second, it is not an elite documentary; it does not blindly follow sensational statements, which is indeed too risky. Last, it is certainly not a news-style documentary; it does not skim the surface or offer vague generalizations. So, what is Discoveries? Or, where does its value lie?
First and foremost, a program should realize its artistic value. Compared to other programs, Discoveries has very distinct features. Its appeal lies in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then connects it to the events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge takes a backseat, with stories driving the learning process and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of education through entertainment. This entertainment-oriented creative method is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the societal level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imbues the audience with the spirit and attitude of science, naturally leading to social value. In my opinion, this is precisely what is most lacking in our national spirit today.
Discoveries is the only science exploration documentary program on China Central Television (CCTV). It examines the progress of human civilization through a scientific lens and pursues the truth with a spirit of discovery. Four years after its launch, it gained widespread popularity and was hailed as "China's Discovery." Compared to other programs, Discoveries has very distinct features. Its appeal lies in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then connects it to the events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge takes a backseat, with stories driving the learning process and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of education through entertainment. This entertainment-oriented creative method is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the societal level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imbues the audience with the spirit and attitude of science, naturally leading to social value.
Discoveries takes readers on a journey of scientific revelation and mystery-solving. It peels away the layers of fog in various fields such as archaeology, biology, architecture, medicine, and geography. This series of books presents a suspenseful, story-driven narrative, showcasing the process of unraveling mysteries step by step with a scientific approach and perspective. Each chapter begins with a story, then connects it to the events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Knowledge takes a backseat, suspense engages the reader, stories introduce knowledge, and science is woven into the plot.
One of Discoveries's key features is its consistent blend of suspense and entertainment. While calmly and objectively exploring the scientific significance behind the surface, it allows readers to truly experience the charm of discovery, appreciate the rigor of pursuing the unknown, and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Various types of knowledge are integrated into a series of progressively unfolding stories. Through reading, not only do readers gain scientific knowledge, but more importantly, they acquire the mindset for exploring the unknown and experience the joy of scientific discovery.
Another key feature of Discoveries is that the mysteries and mysterious places explored are largely unique to China. Chinese readers can feel this connection and participate in experiencing it in real life. For example, chapters like The Mystery of the Wild Man, Unidentified Flying Objects in Chinese Skies, Will the Giant Panda Become Extinct?, and The Legend of the Falcon all narrate unsolved mysteries within China. Readers have the opportunity to witness these firsthand and even have the potential to uncover these mysteries themselves.