Spiritual Field - Interviews with the Sons of the East. News Figures Volume

Author: Time
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: One of the series of "Interviews with Eastern Stars" by China Central Television. This collection is compiled from interviews of 59 newsmakers featured in over 2,000 episodes of the "Eastern Stars" program. In recent years, renowned figures in the sports world such as Ma Junren, Jin Zhiyang, Wang Junxia, and Xie Jun, General Gong Gucheng on the front lines of the flood fight, the American-Chinese forensic expert Lee Chang-yu, Shen Ce, and the founder of the Chinese classified search engine "Sohu," Zhang Chaoyang, as well as the female disciplinary official Hu Kuihui, have shared their life pursuits or the storms of their growth. Reading their stories is both engaging and thought-provoking. The actions and thoughts of these outstanding individuals from various angles prove a truth: through persistent effort, one can achieve what seems impossible in ordinary life.
For six years, I have lived with the slogan "Eastern Stars—Condensed Essence of Life." As the producer of the "Eastern Stars" program, I have had the privilege of meeting over 2,000 "Eastern Stars," though many I have never met in person. Yet in my heart, I have always preserved their vivid faces and words. This is a rare, experiential material that also serves as a microcosm of the changing Chinese society, showcasing history through the destinies and emotions of individuals.
Who qualifies to be an "Eastern Star," or what kind of image should be portrayed in the program? Initially, we defined it as follows: Their achievements or experiences should evoke widespread public interest in their life journeys, inner worlds, and development skills; their achievements or experiences should reflect, to some extent, the diversity and dynamism of society, offering contemporary audiences multiple insights, colorful perspectives, and multi-layered interests. Here, we emphasize the enlightenment and benefits for the audience. Of course, this is predicated on the audience's ability to resonate with the destinies and emotions of the individuals.
Over time, however, "Eastern Stars" has established a prominent reputation with its genuine name and has been reinterpreted. To many, it has become a title, representing only those who contribute to the nation and the people. This has led to sensationalized stories like "Eastern Stars Fall into Prison" or "Someone Refuses to Be an Eastern Star." Reality is like this—people compromise with the trivialities of daily life, yet their very existence proves their worth; deep down, however, their humanistic beliefs remain steadfast, and the moral strength of heroes still moves them.
Since the dawn of time, China has been a land where heroes and myths were celebrated. Now, some claim it is an "age of mediocrity," that traditional heroes are dead, and that the shifting value system leaves us with a sense of helplessness. Yet I cannot explain what the existence and influence of "Eastern Stars" prove. When viewed through the lens of cultural analysis, they can be seen as a pure instinctual struggle for individual existence, but in reality, their lives are rich and diverse.
As television evolves to focus on and respect humanity, we will not miss any opportunity. "Don't judge heroes by their achievements" has always been my stance. Success, money, and status only reflect the superficial value of life pursuits. True happiness and fulfillment depend on the richness of one's spiritual world.
However, the evolution of meaning and value systems, the contrast and divergence between ideals and reality, leave both large social groups and small-scale producers like us without a single standard of judgment. Therefore, these "Eastern Stars" cannot be a measuring stick, but rather mirrors reflecting this era. Can experiencing others' experiences illuminate our own minds? I am amazed at the endless social upheavals endured by "Eastern Stars" who share their centennial experiences. At the turn of the century, it is even more important to document and preserve their oral histories as a precious legacy for future generations.
I respect those who stand firm in their convictions, unshaken by doubt or confusion in their spiritual worlds. Life's trials have made them adept at coping with challenges with confidence. I admire those with clear preferences, whose motivations stem from love for their families, careers, and the nation. Cynicism drives them to achieve greatness, and their ability to boldly declare their loves and hates reflects a well-rounded personality. I envy those with aspirations, who pursue their goals with clarity and unwavering belief. Their happiness comes from struggle, and their joy in success washes away all pain. I praise those who are detached from fame and fortune, whose solid cultivation leaves them free from disappointment. "Once you've seen the ocean, no other water compares"—they are the "pure" ones who have transcended base desires. I admire those who take the world upon themselves, sacrificing for the nation. "Not rejoicing in others' success, nor mourning one's own failures; worrying before others enjoy"—these are noble souls.
This interview collection records their genuine emotions. These "Eastern Stars" are people I admire. Similarly, I respect those who refuse to be "Eastern Stars." But I believe that a person who is already well-known should not only "seek enlightenment" but also learn how to "spread it."
In the late 1980s, television's guiding role was fully realized, and its subsequent silence seemed to be broken by policy relaxation. Yet, beyond providing information and entertainment, television's role as a guide has not been fully recognized. I strongly oppose abandoning China's television's role in education and advocacy, while firmly supporting returning the power of judgment to the audience. A reasonable state of mass media is one that conveys diverse voices and showcases pluralistic perspectives. Television is a product of commodity society, and while TV programs may reflect the creators' thoughts and emotions, like other art forms, they also possess commercial attributes—viewers are their consumers.
I once vehemently opposed pursuing television as art, reminding colleagues not to become too self-absorbed, lest they ignore the audience and fall into isolation. When television merges with music, dance, painting, theater, narrative films, or documentaries, it merely serves as a medium of transmission. Regrettably, television's market has not yet been fully opened. It is constrained by publicity tasks and monopolies by large stations, as well as the limitations of practitioners' quality, the former being obvious, the latter hidden in our subconscious. When we strive to reveal the truth, we may come across as preachy, using exaggerated and dogmatic language. Deep down, the poison of the Cultural Revolution has not been completely eradicated.
A writer once said: Even if one resolves to be completely transparent, their cultural upbringing still subtly restricts them. Therefore, for television professionals, studying and mastering a way to communicate with the audience is crucial.
The main feature of the "Eastern Stars" program is character interviews. Interviews are a form of program and our method of expression. Globally, "interviews" are a trend, but in China, they are rare—《》. Here, I see that Chinese people previously had too few opportunities to speak, so they were initially unsure how to begin. Yet when they do, their opinions are often brilliant. Chinese people are kind-hearted, and the achievements they attain never forget the support of leaders and the masses.
The character interviews in "Eastern Stars" are completed through a two-way exchange between the host and the interviewee. During the interview, the host should adhere to the following:
1. Focus on the "key point"—the unique achievements, experiences, and personalities of the interviewee, making it the core of the interaction.
2. Avoid dwelling on their achievements or experiences, nor elaborate on the specifics of their success or struggles. Instead, emphasize their unique inner world and feelings, using a freehand approach to delve into key aspects from the "key point," painting a vivid portrait.
3. Highlight the news value of the character but keep it brief, avoiding deliberate exaggeration to distinguish it from common news reports. Pay special attention to uncovering and showcasing valuable, previously unseen aspects of the individual, creating news anew.
4. Based on the current needs of the audience, focus on revealing the "change"—the interviewee's adaptability, responsiveness, and behavioral choices in response to rapid societal shifts.
In summary, this face-to-face interview program has brought great changes to Chinese television. It is no longer about simplistic indoctrination or blunt rhetoric, nor is it the author's unilateral manipulation. The interview style of "Eastern Stars" has left a deep impression on the audience. The hosts' conversations carry strong personal flavors, differing greatly from the formal interviews of past TV journalists. Over the years, 15 or 16 hosts have appeared in the program, most of whom are scholars and journalists. With their knowledge, experience, depth of thought, and unique perspectives, they convey objective information while also provoking reflection and judgment. Of course, there are still many shortcomings—language taboos prevent humor, and ideological barriers hinder spontaneity. I believe that as society develops, such individuals will dominate the future Chinese television screen.
Recording history is a responsibility of a television professional, and spreading ideas and advocating values is our mission. At its core, our work is to record and disseminate. Television has its limitations in broadcasting, but the drive to disseminate compels us to write down program content and publish it for readers. Careful reflection and slow reading will naturally lead to deeper understanding.