Beijing Television Cultural Center Fire - Internet Users in China

Internet Users in China

Despite the lack of images on the state media, photographs and videotapes of the fire, taken with cameras and cell phones, swiftly found their way blogs and forums including major portals such as Sina, Sohu, and Youku.

Media reported that Chinese citizens on the internet were taking sarcastic and comical pot-shots at CCTV. It noted there was "a storm" of criticism that the state broadcaster which created one of the year’s biggest news stories failed to report the event promptly, or honestly. Parodies of the incident were also rampant, including edited images often relating to other Chinese internet memes, such as the Grass Mud Horse.