[originaltext] The first "National Sample Survey of People’s Reading Trends"

The first "National Sample Survey of People’s Reading Trends" was successfully accomplished. The survey shows that in modern Chinese society, "reading" is not limited to books, newspapers and magazines; it is a process that can be completed through all kinds of media and by various means. It is delightful to note people’s common view that reading is crucial to an individual’s development.
    The survey was conducted among some 3,000 adults from 12 provinces and cities nationwide. And statistics reveal that different media and different types of publications function differently in meeting people’s spiritual needs. To get to know both domestic and international news, and current trends, people mainly watch TV and read newspapers; to acquire information related to their own jobs, study and professional knowledge, they mostly choose books and TV programs; while preferring TV and VCD for relaxation and recreation.
    In terms of the utilization of media in people’s spare time, TV has the greatest number of viewers, while newspapers, magazines, books and radio come second with regard to number of readers. Quite a few people spend a fairly long time using audio and video products and computers.
    Speaking of the purpose of reading, men stress the broadening of horizon and catering for their hobbies and interests while women emphasize improvement of self-cultivation, meeting social contact and coping with tests.
    According to the survey, literary books remain the favorite of people.