By Li Muzi, Janet Huang, Vision Times
A self-proclaimed insider from China Central Television (CCTV) has resurfaced online, alleging widespread internal discontent with current leader Xi Jinping, while exposing a “sweeping internal purge” aimed at curbing leaks and dissent within the regime’s flagship broadcaster.
The whistleblower, posting anonymously through X account “Qiángguó Wāhā” (墙国蛙蛤蛤), introduced himself as “a still-breathing employee of the Big Underpants” — a sarcastic reference to CCTV’s headquarters building in Beijing. The latest series of posts, shared on Oct. 13, follow an earlier disclosure made on Oct. 4, both claiming to come from the same mid-level staffer still working inside the network.
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‘No one respects him’: Insider describes growing disdain for Xi
In the initial post, the anonymous employee painted a picture of growing cynicism and unease among CCTV journalists toward the Chinese leader. “Who among us doesn’t know more than that provincial bumpkin on the podium?” the writer asked. “He can’t even read the teleprompter properly. When we speak privately — no one, not one of us — truly respects him.”
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The whistleblower noted that ridicule of Xi Jinping has become routine within the newsroom, even as daily broadcasts remain dominated by “unbearable flattery.”
“When we edit the shows, we have to leave the windows open,” the post read. “The stench of bootlicking would suffocate us.” He added that Xi’s televised slip-ups, including misread scripts and awkward moments that break protocol, are “just the tip of the iceberg.”
The message also said that during the Sept. 3 military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught on a hot mic publicly discussing “organ transplants” and plans to “live to 150 years old.”
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Taunting Beijing’s censors: ‘Trace me if you can’
The Oct. 4 post ended with a sarcastic challenge to China’s security monitors: “Don’t try to trace me — you don’t have the capability. If you push me, I have material that could drown your ‘great leader.’”
The statement spread rapidly across overseas Chinese social media, earning tens of thousands of shares and comments urging protection for the whistleblower.
Nine days later, the same account published a follow-up message: “There’s been a complete upheaval at the station. Departments have issued strict orders to root out information leaks. Don’t worry — I’m still standing firm. Everything’s under control.”
The post coincided with reports of intensified surveillance, digital audits, and tightened vetting procedures across CCTV’s divisions following the earlier leak. Supporters praised the whistleblower’s courage and conviction, while offering encryption tips and anonymity advice to help evade China’s robust cyber-policing network.
CCTV on high alert
Shortly afterward, the whistleblower allegedly released a partial internal staff directory to prove authenticity. The leaked list included names of high-profile anchors — among them Kang Hui, one of CCTV’s most recognizable figures.
Netizens quickly matched what appeared to be Kang’s phone number, warning that it would soon be overwhelmed with calls. Within hours, his payment account was reportedly suspended after being bombarded by messages and small money transfers from curious users.
The episode underscored both the fragility of internal control and the viral power of social media to pierce Beijing’s propaganda curtain.
On-air blunder deepens public distrust
Amid the turmoil, CCTV suffered an unrelated but equally humiliating misstep. On Oct. 5, its Weather Forecast segment accidentally broadcast predictions nearly identical to those from the same date the previous year. According to “Red Star News,” only a handful of cities, such as Shanghai, received accurate data. Most forecasts repeated outdated scripts from October 2024.
Though CCTV blamed a “technical malfunction,” the public was unconvinced. “If even the weather is fake,” questioned one Weibo user, adding, “What else can we believe?”
As of publication, CCTV has issued no official comment on the allegations or the reported internal shake-up. With China’s media operating under near-total censorship, independent verification of the whistleblower’s identity remains incredibly difficult. Analysts, however, note a growing paradox: Even the regime’s most loyal propaganda organ now appears fractured by cynicism and mistrust.
“When those ordered to praise the system start mocking it from within,” noted one observer, “The collapse of faith has already begun.”
Editorial Note: This report is based on posts and public discussion from the X platform and related overseas Chinese networks. Vision Times has not independently verified the identity of the alleged whistleblower or the authenticity of the materials cited. All information regarding CCTV’s internal operations should be regarded as unconfirmed pending corroboration by additional sources.
