This set of "pyramid staffing system" at CCTV is basically the peak of dark humor within the media system.

The official career establishment pays just over 3,000 yuan, and they still stick to not expanding recruitment, with each hole only filled when someone dies.
The result? The glamorous hosts you see on TV every day are mostly temporary workers, channel hires, or column group hires at the bottom level.
Even channel hires are considered middle management; the real "formal staff" are a rare breed, like nobles born with a golden key.
So a classic scene emerged:
After gaining a layer of national-level prestige at CCTV, they quickly cash in on their fame,
switch to local stations to make big money, marry wealthy people to become wealthy wives, or directly jump into the entertainment industry for commercial performances and endorsements.
This isn’t betrayal; it’s smart.
Rely on CCTV to support your retirement? Wake up. They’re not even willing to give more formal positions, let alone pay you a pension until you die.
It’s just a dream. CCTV is a top-tier traffic incubator and fame platform—use it up and toss it aside.
If you don’t cash out yourself, are you waiting to be optimized into an optimization target?