Complaints have mounted about the old-fashioned format, tedious programs and lack of inspiration.

Now ever-creative Netizens have come up with a parody or shanzhai (copy of well-known brand) version of the gala.

Lao Meng, the man behind the online parody - says the knock-off version will be more casual, natural and funny.

The grassroots gala will feature 30 original and avant-garde programs, such as folk songs sung by migrant workers, fan dances and a bicycle acrobatic show.

With about 1 million yuan (US$147,000) in sponsorship, the show will be staged in a hotel's lobby seating 100 people in Beijing. It will be videotaped and broadcast on the Internet.

Opinions are divided about the "official" CCTV gala. Some young viewers, like Lao Meng, compare it to jilei (chicken ribs) - meaning there's not much meat on the bone, but it's wasteful to just throw it out.

Others are more tolerant and selective - they can't endure the four hours and just pick a few programs to watch.

But Wang, the nostalgic 30-something entrepreneur, still loves this annual gala.

"My enthusiasm for the gala will never end, no matter how disappointing some of its programs are," Wang says. "Watching the gala and celebrating the Lunar New Year with my family was an important part of my growing-up memories. When the show was aired, we said 'Happy New Year' to each other. It was a sweet moment."

It's virtually a mission impossible for a national gala show like this to satisfy a diverse audience from different regions, with different cultural backgrounds and tastes.

Observers ask for more dazzling stage design, interactive elements and innovative programs to attract viewers.

"While CCTV's gala show has generated debate and controversy, its actual impact remains clear," says Professor Wu Gang, a TV expert from East China Normal University. "Watching the show facilitates gatherings and entertainment."

In addition to the online parody, this year's gala will also face competition from regional TV shows catering to local tastes and interests.

On Lunar New Year's Eve, Dragon TV will present its own five-hour gala starting at 7:30pm. It will feature local stars and celebrities and include some singing and quiz shows themed on the coming World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

Besides, Channel Young will present an eight-hour broadcast (12-8pm) of a special cooking program. Veteran chefs and gastronomists will tell the stories behind Chinese New Year's Eve dishes. The program will be followed by a Chinese-style spring fashion show.

(Shanghai Daily January 23, 2009)