Outsourcing Controversy Rocks China's Audiobook Industry: Calls for Transparency and Accountability
A recent controversy has erupted in China's audiobook industry, centered around the popular audiobook production company, "729声工场" (729 Sound Workshop). The company has been accused of outsourcing its post-production work to a third-party company, which has led to widespread outrage and criticism from netizens.
10 July 2024
According to an apology statement released by 729 Sound Workshop on July 9th, the company claimed that the outsourcing of post-production work was a normal practice in the industry. However, this explanation has failed to placate the public, who are demanding greater transparency and accountability from the company.
Weibo netizens have been vocal in their criticism of the company, with many expressing outrage and disbelief at the company's handling of the situation. One user wrote, "That so-called third-party company you outsourced to, who is it? You need to clarify and take responsibility. Even if it was all done by the third-party company, wouldn't you have audited it?" Another user added, "You're just pushing the blame onto the voice actors, but what about the real people responsible for the post-production and auditing? Why aren't you revealing their names?"
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the ethics of outsourcing in the audiobook industry. Many have questioned the company's decision to outsource its post-production work, citing concerns about the potential impact on the quality and accuracy of the final product. Others have accused the company of being more interested in profiting from the work of authors and voice actors, rather than taking responsibility for the quality of their own products.
The company's apology statement has been criticized for being inadequate and lacking in sincerity. One user wrote, "You're just trying to shift the blame and don't take responsibility for your actions. The author's real-life experience was used as a joke, and you're still exploiting the deceased author's work. Are you just going to consume and exploit the dead?" Another user added, "You're just trying to cover up your mistakes and avoid taking responsibility. This is a very serious issue, and you need to take it seriously."
The incident has also sparked a wider discussion about the treatment of voice actors and authors in the audiobook industry. Many have expressed concern about the lack of respect and compensation given to these professionals, who are often seen as mere commodities to be exploited for profit.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how 729 Sound Workshop will respond to the public's demands for greater transparency and accountability. In the meantime, the incident has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of the audiobook industry, and the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of voice actors and authors.
In a statement, 729 Sound Workshop acknowledged that the company had made mistakes in its handling of the post-production work, but denied any intentional wrongdoing. The company has promised to take steps to address the issue and improve its quality control processes.
However, many have questioned the company's commitment to change, and have called for more concrete actions to be taken to address the issue. As one user wrote, "You need to take real action and not just apologize. This is not just about the company's reputation, but about the integrity of the industry as a whole."
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the ethics of outsourcing and the treatment of voice actors and authors in the audiobook industry. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the industry will respond to the public's demands for greater transparency and accountability.