Famed TV host Li Yong is facing harsh criticism over his role as the ambassador for a flooring product, a position that violates the code for China's TV hosts.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television released a self-discipline pact for anchormen and hosts in 2005 strictly preventing them from taking part in any commercial activities and warning those tempted to disregard the pact with the threat of expulsion from the industry.

Li Yong, a host from China's Central Television (CCTV), was not only pictured promoting the Sunyard flooring product alongside 18 beautiful models last September, but billboards bearing his image can now be seen across many cities in China.

His pictures with the 18 models are widely available on the Internet with the logo of the company clearly visible. But, Shanghai-based Xinmin Evening News reports, Li Yong's wife Ha Wen, who is also his publicist, tried to justify the pictures, saying that though he did indeed attend such an event, he never formally participated in a commercial for the product.

The company, however, gives a different story. The Zhejiang Shiyou Timber Co. Ltd confirmed Li Yong's official ambassadorship. An employee with the company, surnamed Shen, told reporters that Li Yong has been their ambassador for almost a year and they enjoy very close cooperation, adding that the company will extend the contract with him for another year.

CCTV's disciplinary inspection department has said they know nothing about the incident but have vowed to carry out an investigation. They have promised to inform the press if there is any new information.

When Xinmin Evening News attempted a second interview with the company, their request was refused.

The strict rule forbidding any commercial involvement has forced a few famous hosts to leave CCTV. Those most famous include Wen Qing and Zhao Lin, both of whom used to be the hostesses of Life, a popular show on CCTV 2.

They are now to be found working in TV dramas.
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(CRI.cn March 15, 2007)