Father of Chinese Broadcasting - The Legend of Liu Han

Author: Chenai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Mr. Liu Han, known as the "Father of Chinese Broadcasting," was the pioneer who initiated the broadcasting industry in China, the one who distinguished between the presence and absence of broadcasting boundaries in China, the founder who marked the beginning of Chinese broadcasting culture, the one who promoted the excellent spirit of self-reliance and resilience, and the one who achieved remarkable accomplishments. To outline his life journey would hold immense historical and practical significance for understanding the history of Chinese broadcasting, the development of Chinese broadcasting culture, and the dedication of Chinese broadcasting professionals to serving the nation, ethnicity, and society. Mr. Liu Han's creation of Chinese broadcasting was in sync with the global broadcasting development and on par with that of developed countries, bringing a brand-new sound culture to the Chinese people. His deeds and the spirit of pioneering should be remembered by the Chinese people, future generations, and broadcasting professionals.
In the late Qing Dynasty, the area now known as Hebei Province was called Zhili Province. Tongzhou in Zhili Province was the present-day Tongzhou District of Beijing. Within Tongzhou City was an alley called Mofa'an Alley, and within the alley stood a courtyard named Jiahuitang, where a family named Liu resided. The head of the family was Liu Chengze, styled Hefu, and his wife was Lady Li. The Liu family had been in this area since the Qianlong era, originally settling outside the old city south gate before moving to this location. His younger brother was Liu Cheng'en, styled Huafu. Lady Li was the daughter of officials in the Tongzhou government, known for her reasonableness, kindness, and virtue. The Liu family lived in harmony and tranquility. On June 29, 1889, Lady Li gave birth to a son named Liu Han, and the Liu couple was overjoyed.
Liu Hefu worked as a procurement officer for the "Grand Difference Bureau" of the Beijing-Hankou Railway, stationed in Baoding, only returning to Tongzhou during his off days and not residing there permanently. Lady Li and her son Liu Han lived in Jiahuitang. Time passed swiftly, and Liu Han had grown to be over five years old. Liu Hefu then sent him to a local private school for education. The schoolmaster, surnamed Gao, was a renowned scholar in the area. As the seventh child in his family, he was respectfully called "Gao Qiyeye" (Old Master Gao the Seventh). Gao was a well-educated man, knowledgeable in classics, history, philosophy, and literature, as well as calligraphy and chess, which were famous locally. He was a strict and dedicated teacher. Although young, Liu Han was obedient and diligent in his studies, much to the liking of Old Master Gao. Over the years, Liu Han made great progress in the Five Classics, the Four Books, poetry, and prose. What particularly pleased Old Master Gao was Liu Han's excellent calligraphy in the style of Liu Gongquan's "Xuanmi Pagoda." The calligraphy was tight yet expansive, strong and vigorous, embodying the spirit of the character.
During the New Year, the young Liu Han pasted a pair of couplets he had written in red paper at his gate: "Loyalty and kindness pass down through generations, poetry and books continue the legacy." Neighbors, knowing the couplets were written by the young Liu Han, brought their own red paper to the Liu household, asking him to write New Year couplets.
Life is unpredictable, and misfortunes can strike at any time. Unbeknownst to them, Lady Li fell seriously ill. Liu Han stayed by her side day and night, hoping for her recovery. Despite seeking medical treatment and various remedies, her condition worsened daily. On a stormy night, Lady Li passed away, leaving behind her beloved son and husband. Young Liu Han held his mother's hand for a long time, weeping uncontrollably. Neighbors and relatives were deeply moved by the scene, shedding tears while comforting the grieving child.
After his mother's passing, Liu Han often stood motionless, silent, with tears streaming down his face. The sudden pain and shock from the heavens to the earth were cruelly tearing at his young heart. Liu Hefu, after settling his wife's affairs, remained immersed in grief. Although Liu Han had relatives in Tongzhou to care for him, it was not a long-term solution. Later, Liu Hefu rented a house in Yangshu Alley in Baoding and, after persuasion from his peers, took a new wife, Lady Xu. Soon, the Liu family moved to Siqu Shu Alley. In 1898, Liu Hefu brought Liu Han from Tongzhou to live with them in Baoding. Surprisingly, Lady Xu treated the young Liu Han as her own child, making up for the motherly love he had lost too early. Liu Han, in turn, showed great respect to his stepmother, treating her as if she were his own mother, and the family continued to live in peace and harmony.