Core Viewpoint - Sujiang Media's decision to terminate contracts with two popular hosts from the girl group "Fire Sujiang 106" and indefinitely suspend the group highlights significant industry changes regarding the management of live streaming hosts and the evolving dynamics of the group broadcasting model [1][5][19]. Group 1: Company Actions - Sujiang Media announced the termination of contracts with two popular hosts from "Fire Sujiang 106," a profitable girl group, due to violations of company policy regarding private interactions with fans [1][5]. - The group had achieved impressive metrics, including 219 live broadcasts and over 14.42 million viewers in the past 180 days, indicating its commercial value [3][5]. - Following Sujiang Media's announcement, other agencies like Shuai Ku Network also took similar actions against hosts for violating policies against private fan interactions [5][19]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The live streaming industry is witnessing a shift as many agencies are moving away from the "ambiguous economy" model, which relied heavily on private interactions with top fans, towards a more structured group broadcasting approach [8][22]. - The emergence of group broadcasting has attracted a diverse audience, including female consumers, which presents new growth opportunities compared to traditional models that depended on male fans [8][10]. - The industry is increasingly focusing on professionalization, with significant investments in production quality and talent, moving away from the informal and often problematic practices of the past [24][31]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Platforms like Douyin have implemented strict regulations to curb inappropriate behaviors among hosts, linking their performance to a "health score" system that affects both hosts and their agencies [17][19]. - The crackdown on agencies involved in ambiguous economic practices has led to the closure of numerous agencies, indicating a significant shift in regulatory focus [13][21]. - The evolving landscape suggests that agencies are now prioritizing compliance and professional standards to attract new talent and maintain a positive industry image [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The live streaming industry, particularly group streaming, is experiencing a competitive surge as it captures significant market share in China's entertainment live streaming sector, which is valued at over 200 billion yuan [3][43]. Group Streaming Overview - Group streaming typically consists of 5-7 diverse hosts performing collective dances and competitive activities, allowing audience interaction through gifts that unlock custom performances [2][3]. - Compared to individual streaming, group streaming employs a "human sea" strategy, enhancing viewer attraction and immediacy compared to traditional variety shows [3]. Market Dynamics - The group streaming market is bustling with various models, including talent-focused "trainee" formats and "vote-buying" strategies, as well as niche segments targeting older audiences and cosplay themes [4]. - The influx of institutions and agencies into the market has intensified competition, leading to a rise in operational challenges such as high turnover rates and short career lifespans for hosts [5][13]. Host Experiences - Many young hosts, like Xu Jing, transition to group streaming for better financial prospects, with base salaries around 6,000 yuan and potential earnings exceeding 10,000 yuan per night [6][9]. - The entry barriers for becoming a group streaming host are relatively low, with recruitment processes often involving simple applications and auditions [11]. Industry Challenges - The group streaming industry faces significant challenges, including high competition, the need for hosts to maintain fan relationships through "ambiguous economy" practices, and the pressure to generate revenue through audience engagement [19][29]. - Hosts must navigate complex dynamics, including maintaining a balance between performance and personal interaction with fans, which can lead to emotional and physical strain [22][42]. Economic Model - The revenue model for group streaming is heavily reliant on audience gifts, with hosts receiving 20%-25% of the revenue after platform and agency cuts [18][48]. - The industry operates on a "layered extraction" business model, where platforms and agencies profit significantly from the labor and emotional investment of young hosts [49][50]. Conclusion - The group streaming sector is characterized by rapid growth and high turnover, with hosts often viewed as disposable resources within a larger commercial framework, highlighting the industry's exploitative nature [50][51].