Directors bidding for annual gala

　PREPARATORY work for CCTV’s 2003 Spring Festival party began when the bidding for chief director kicked off August 20. Nine groups of CCTV directors, competing to take charge of this year’s event, attended the bidding and presented their ideas before a committee organized by leaders of CCTV and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. Presentations focused mainly on the structure and organization of the party. Being the key to the quality of the gala, the choice of director has always been a focus of public attention, even more important than the choice of hosts. However, the person who will assume command of the annual gala won’t be revealed until next month.Ever since the birth of the CCTV Spring Festival party 21 years ago, the event has been the most popular show on CCTV, attracting billions of viewers every year. Although some people argue about the quality of the show and even question its necessity, most Chinese families consider watching the party to be a New Year’s Eve tradition.