Wang Yuanzong, a Chinese freelance photographer, published a recording on his Weibo account on Sept. 10, denouncing CCTV's illegal use of his video materials.

To date, this Weibo statement has gotten about 200,000 shares and up to 90,000 likes. Weibo users are indignant to this national television station's behavior and are eagerly awaiting CCTV's response.

Like Us on Facebook

This audio recording released by Wang disclosed a phone conversation between him and a CCTV "intern." On Sept. 9, Wang was told by a friend that some of his Tibet video materials were used on a CCTV travel program. He was shocked and decided to confirm it with the program producer via phone call. 

When Wang mentioned CCTV's illegal use of his video materials, the man on the phone, who claims to be an intern at CCTV, was not friendly and said: "So what if we used your materials? How can you prove that those are your video materials? We can shoot by ourselves." The man kept that attitude throughout the conversation.

Weibo users were shocked that CCTV, as a well-known television station, has no awareness of copyright protection. They used Wang's original video materials without authorization, and even refused not realize the mistake.

Thousands of Weibo users have shown support for Wang. Some said: "This is not the first time for CCTV to steal other's works. We need someone to stand out for against photo and video materials theft."

After several hours, Wang updated on his Weibo account: "This morning I talked with the program official. I asked them to compensate 25,000 Yuan ($3,921) for video materials theft. They were not willing to pay and persuaded me to give up. Otherwise, I will have no chance to cooperate with CCTV anymore in the future."

TagsWang Yuanzong, CCTV, CCTV Illegal Use of Freelancer's Video, CCTV Video Theft