China Central Television (CCTV) host Li Yong's wife Ha Wen will direct the 2012 Spring Festival Gala, the official microblog of the 2012 Gala confirmed on Thursday.

Many called the appointment an unusual choice. An anonymous CCTV employee saying that Ha's appointment is indicative of CCTV's desire for "innovation and change" in the usual Gala celebrations. Ha has served as assistant general director for CCTV-3 and producer of the CCTV program 6+1, hosted by Li Yong.

Tan Fei, an entertainment commentator, also noted that there have only been four other female directors in the history of the CCTV Gala, and that they usually inject a greater dose of emotion than their male counterparts.

Another anonymous CCTV employee said that the creative team for the 2012 Gala is being assembled one month earlier than usual, which, combined with Ha's appointment, suggests a more audacious and daring show than in past years.

"In addition, former Spring Festival Gala directors have almost always served as Gala assistant directors before taking the top position, unlike Ha," the employee said. "I really think they're going to move in a different direction."

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