Healthy Discourse: Xi'an TV show brings political issues to the fore

World
Europe

01:41

A TV show on political discussions in Xi'an, China's northwest, is making waves. It's bringing political issues into the spotlight and with that, spurring change. Natasha Hussain has the details.

"Olympia math classes and Chinese classes have sprouted up everywhere in the past few years, I want to ask, what have you done during that time?"

Asking direct and tough questions. Seeking answers. Making things clear amid uncertainty. With 20 episodes aired. A show in Xi'an discussing policies with policy makers has become the hottest thing on local TV. Topics range from education, housing to food and security, Messages from thousands of people reveal their frustration and social dissatisfaction.

XI'AN RESIDENT "Through discussing policies, it brings the efficiency revolution to some governmental institutions. Civilians can really feel it when efficiency improves.

21.89, that's the score China's Education Bureau got for their "test", which is far from satisfactory. They have promised to improve and get a better grade next time.

LIU SHUNZHI, DIRECTOR NATIONAL HEALTH AND FAMILY PLANNING COMMISSION, XI'AN "Through this way, our cadre members and staff will feel embarrassed and then put pressure on themselves."

So far, a total of 300 issues have been discussed on the show and 12 base units of the local government have been criticized in a circulated notice. And more are getting questioned, and with that getting better. Natasha Hussain, CGTN.