Chinese broadcaster: ‘We won’t take time-off unless the planet explodes’

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January 28 marks the start of the Year of the Rooster – it’s the Chinese Lunar New Year when the entire country is on an annual holiday that lasts up to seven days.

However, there are several people working in different professions, such as doctors, pilots, people in the hospitality industry and sanitation workers, among others, who are required to sacrifice their personal time – and not to forget journalists, too.

A screen-grab of Zhu Guangquan, anchor who brilliantly answered netizen's question of whether China Central Television takes a break during the annual Spring Festival holiday.

The topic became a part of an online discussion in Weibo after an audience member posed a question to a China Central Television news anchor Zhu Guangquan asking if broadcasters have days off during the Spring Festival.

And his answer went viral.

“Unless the planet exploded,” he replied.

“Even if the universe ends, we will not rest,” the anchor said. “We will wait for you in the wind, in the rain, and during the holidays. And there are no four seasons for us, but only two— only peak season and off season.”

CCTV anchor Zhu Guangquan /CFP Photo

Netizens have praised his response and were astounded with how composed he was during the newscast.

“How can he not laugh when telling a joke?” said Weibo user @Chihobozhu.

- said Weibo user @Chihobozhu.

A screen-grab of Xinwen Lianbo

CCTV is known for its formal broadcasts and its flagship daily news program Xinwen Lianbo started from 1978, often announcing government notices, visits of heads of states and other policy and economic issues.

“I like how the state-broadcaster is so down to earth,”

- said Weibo users @Chenliangliangyu.