'3.15 Show' fights for protecting consumers' rights
3.15晚會保護消費者權益

The annual Chinese television program "3.15 Show" that exposes the worst company practices aired on Sunday. As big Chinese companies were quaking in their boots, ordinary Chinese people hoped the show will do more to help build a consumer-friendly business environment.

It’s half past 8 at night. The annual Consumer Day Gala program goes on the air.

It targets a range of companies for various unfriendly consumer practices and highlights the rights of Chinese consumers, people like Chen Hongmin and her family.

"I remember there was a time the show exposed a tire maker which produced defective products that were contrary to what the company's advertisement said. My husband is a business man, and he has to drive a lot. I was very worried that his car’s tires might have problems," Chen said.

Chen once bought a pair of sneakers for her son online. But the bad quality and unconvincing after-sale services forced her to buy another pair at the store.

She didn’t turn to any legal methods to protect her rights. Instead, she kept quiet.

"After I watched the show, I learned that there are many ways that I can protect my consumer rights. I didn’t bother to do that before, but now I realize it’s easy and important to report all unfriendly consumer practices," Chen said.

The annual 3.15 show is named after the date it's televised every year, March the 15th.

It marks World Consumer Rights Day and features undercover and investigative journalism on the violation of consumer rights in China.

Allegations detailed by reports in the past have resulted in real changes and improvements from exposed companies.

In 2013 for example, the show revealed German carmaker Volkswagen’s DSG gearbox malfunction, which could lead to car power loss or sudden speed-ups.

Five days after the broadcast, the company recalled more than 380,000 cars and announced a free upgrade of in-car operational software.

As for the annual show, what’s equally important is to ensure all viewers and consumers that media supervision will always be there to protect their rights and interests.

Chen Hongmin and her family are just a few of the many Chinese that demand a better regulative environment to protect their consumer rights. Not everyone in China has watched the program, but the determined fight against shoddy goods and services highlighted in the show will surely affect every single one of them.