Source: CCTV.com

02-02-2008 08:46

Snowfalls, the worst in decades have devastated southern, central and eastern China. The storms have brought death, building collapses, power blackouts, highway closures and crop devastation. The Chinese people have launched an all-out rescue and repair effort in disaster-stricken areas. CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, the country's premier entertainment show on New Year's Eve, will dedicate a full segment to draw attention to victims of the disaster. There are thousands of stranded passengers, still unable to make their way home. And the program will salute the rescuers heading for the devastated regions, trying to save lives.

CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, the country's premier entertainment show  on New Year's Eve, will dedicate a full segment to draw attention to  victims of the disaster.

Famed Chinese news anchor Bai Yansong, leads a list of 12 prominent television hosts who will take part in a poetry recital addressing the savage storms. The program is expected to send a message of comfort and concern for all those stranded while on their way home to families.

The segment runs after the Song of Farmers, midway through the four and a half hour show. Chinese actor Wang Baoqiang, star of the series "Soldiers' Attacks," will lead farm workers in a song, saluting their role in transforming the Chinese landscape.

The smooth linkage between the two segments is expected to add impact to the poetry recital.

Director Chen Linchun, says the segment is an impromptu addition to an already crowded line up. Non-headline programmes are being shortened to make way for the additional segment.