In a recent joint announcement, the State Administration of Radio and Television of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) along with several other departments issued a directive mandating that hotel TVs must automatically play CCTV-1 (China Central Television Channel 1) in full screen upon startup or provide a one-click remote control option to access CCTV-1. This directive has been met with ridicule online, with netizens joking that it’s a “one-stop shop to North Korea”.
The directive, released on September 29 by the State Administration of Radio and Television, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, aims to regulate hotel TV services and enhance management standards.
According to the directive, hotels are required to comply with the “Technical Requirements for Hotel TV Services” issued in June 2025, ensuring that upon startup, TVs automatically play CCTV-1 in full screen or provide a direct access shortcut to CCTV-1 using the remote control.
CCTV-1, also known as China Central Television’s general channel, is a CCP-controlled channel focusing on news and official propaganda. It includes the long-criticized program “Xinwen Lianbo” (News Broadcast).
The directive claims that this measure aims to “standardize hotel TV services and improve the TV watching experience for hotel guests”, simplifying the TV viewing process for guests to a great extent.
Furthermore, hotels are instructed to use compliant cable TV, IPTV, or satellite broadcast signal sources, and are prohibited from accessing live channel services through providers that do not have permission from the broadcasting administration.
Previously, state media reported that in August 2023, the State Administration of Radio and Television launched a “TV interface upgrade” in cities like Shanghai. The first batch of one million TV viewers in Shanghai completed the interface upgrade, where upon turning on the TV, the home page displayed the “watch TV” page with CCTV-1 playing at the focal point. This initiative realized the concept of “CCTV-1 plays automatically at startup on the home screen”.
The CCP’s official decision to have hotel TVs play CCTV-1 upon startup or provide a direct remote control option to access CCTV-1 has sparked ridicule among netizens overseas:
“Simply put, it’s increasing brainwashing efforts as people are becoming harder to deceive.”
“Next, they’ll mandate TV turning on at 7 every night.”
“Why not just force everyone to buy TVs that only have CCTV, play automatically every day, and have a camera for facial recognition to check who isn’t watching.”
“Ideal would be centralized management, but reality is driven by KPIs. Automatic startup doesn’t equate to engagement, and data and advertising billing will be distorted.”
“This is too lenient. They should fast forward to platforms like TikTok forcing live broadcasting of CCTV programs on startup, requiring manual interaction at least three times to switch or close.”
“No matter where you start or where you intend to finish, guaranteed one-stop to North Korea.”
“This move demonstrates a high degree of media control. Even in hotels, guests will be directed to watch China Central Television, limiting choices and reinforcing national propaganda. This is for the convenience of the state, not the interests of the viewers.”
“The TVs even come with built-in anti-fraud centers now. If you don’t watch CCTV after turning on the TV, it automatically alerts the authorities – heartwarming.”
“Professional matters are messed up, and messed up matters are handled professionally.”
“The last time I visited China, it was the same – international hotels included.”
“One country, one party, one leader, one voice! Yeah!”
“Can’t blame even the Western version of North Korea saving CCTV’s viewership.”
“1984 in progress.”
“1984” is a novel by British author George Orwell, depicting a totalitarian state’s control over its people by installing large screens in every home to monitor all behaviors.
Overall, the directive to have hotel TVs in China automatically play CCTV-1 or provide easy access to the channel has drawn various reactions, highlighting concerns about media control and freedom of choice.