CCTV FOLLIES 12.8 TRIGGER WARNING!

First half of news is nothing but text of party line and photos of Xi -Economy ever better! -Winter fun full of dazzle! -Huabei's happy reindeer -Cry abt it! -Palestine's armed personnel -Russia rules

Alas, it’s one of those days where CCTV evening news gets retrograde, forgetting its mission as a TV station and instead broadcasting the new as if it were a radio program. An unseen announcer reads out loud turgid text for half the show. A word-by-word transcript is graciously provided, so it might also be compared to one of those riveting party newsletters with no pictures.

The story, arguably important, poorly handled, is about the bright future of China’s economy and need to root out corruption. The clunky way it is presented speaks volumes about CCTV’s disdainful relationship with its viewers who have no choice but to take whatever is dished out.

Today’s editorial power play is about upholding the supremacy of Xi, and by extension, the supremacy of his party guided by Xi Jinping Thought, to elucidate next year’s economic plan which will include crackdowns because if there’s anything wrong with China’s economy, it’s not the fault of the celestial navigator Xi Jinping whose advice i…