What's the buzz

Netizens have been speculating for the past week, since film director Feng Xiaogang was named as the director of the Spring Festival gala on China Central Television, on what changes could be expected in the program that hundreds of millions of Chinese look forward to every year. Renowned comedian Zhao Benshan will assist Feng, who is known for his humorous and satirical comedies, to give shape to the program to be telecast on the eve of the Year of the Horse. The presence of actor Zhang Guoli as art adviser has added to the speculation. Following are the views of China Daily's mobile phone news readers on what to expect from the gala:

Hopefully, the new team led by Feng Xiaogang will break the trend of boring and shallow programs of the past few years. People expect the three stalwarts from the film industry to add vitality to the Spring Festival gala on the eve of the Year of the Horse.

A READER, Chongqing

I expect to see some Feng-style humor in the gala. I hope that Zhao Benshan, who has been part of many galas in the past, will introduce interesting and innovative topics to the program now that he is the deputy director in charge of the crosstalk and sketch segments.

A READER, Chengdu, Sichuan province

The three renowned personalities in charge of the gala will make the gala more lively and interestingly. I have been watching the program since childhood and hope that, with Feng and Zhao in the direction team, it will be closer to life and free of obsolete, pompous and hollow elements.

SHININGCORAL, Wuhu, Anhui province

With Feng in charge of the program, the audience can be assured of a healthy, lively and entertaining program. Many viewers, who were disappointed not to see Zhao in the team earlier, will be expecting something new this time now that he is back. Since the gala is watched by hundreds of millions of Chinese both at home and abroad, it's time it underwent a creative change.

OLIVIA, Ji'an, Jiangxi province

I expect the Spring Festival gala to portray life as it is in China; it should reflect the trials and tribulations, the joys and sorrows, and the ambitions and expectations of the majority of Chinese people. CCTV should invite accomplished performers and singers to the program instead of making it a one-man show. Besides, it should welcome fair competition from local TV stations and let the audience and online viewers decide who the winners are.

JASON, Foshan, Guangdong province

Since the Spring Festival gala attracts the largest audience in China (and in the world), there will be rules and restrictions that will make it difficult for the new directorial team to free it of the conservative "shackles". But it is encouraging to see the reform in CCTV, signaled by the change of director, and I expect the new team to try something new.

A READER, Changsha, Hunan province

The Spring Festival gala has become a part of happy family reunions in China. Perhaps the gala has become stale and predictive because we have come to expect a lot from it. But let us hope the new team makes the program lively and entertaining once again.

CHONGZI, Chengdu, Sichuan province