CCTV'S CHINESE NEW YEAR GALA DOCUMENTARY PROJECT: CULTURAL MEMORY AND NATIONAL IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN THE MODERN CHINESE CONTEXT

ABSTRACT Background: This study is a basic research project that utilizes an interdisciplinary qualitative research method to examine the phenomenon of the “CCTV’s Chinese New Year Gala Documentary Project” on the issues of “Cultural Memory and National Identity Construction” in the modern Chinese context. Over its 42-year history, the Gala’s documentary project has meticulously documented Chinese society’s political, economic, and cultural evolution. Objectives: This research aims to explore how the Gala’s programming profoundly influences societal perceptions and plays a critical role in shaping the collective cultural memory of the Chinese populace. Methods: Through text analysis, case analysis, and discourse analysis, this study reveals six typical discourse narrative frameworks for constructing national cultural memory and identity in the Gala’s documentary project: Model and Value Narrative, Achievement and Glory Narrative, Anniversary Celebration and National Spirit Narrative, Political Ceremony Narrative, Disaster and Unity Narrative, and National History and Cultural Narrative. Results: This research identified two communication mechanisms for making the Gala memory part of the national cultural memory through memory reproduction. First, it utilizes large-scale replication to reconstruct historical and artistic memories for audiences. Second, it emphasizes drawing from past Gala resources to strengthen the cultural memory of the Chinese people by honoring classic moments and reaffirming national identity. Conclusion: Therefore, the cultural significance of the Documentary Project’s media construction is revealed, highlighting its essential role in reinforcing national identity and preserving collective cultural memory in contemporary China.