Gill Saab
Yaar Malang
Beijing, Oct 25 (IANS) China Tuesday announced plans to limit the number of television entertainment programmes in the country.
Only two programmes will be allowed weekly on each of the country's 34 TV channels, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said.
The new rules will come into force from Jan 1, Xinhua reported.
Under the new directive, a channel can broadcast a maximum of 90 minutes of content defined as entertainment every day during prime time from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The aim is to curb 'excessive entertainment' and 'low taste' programmes, said the statement. Talent contests and reality shows, among others, are under the scanner.
SARFT will also control the number of entertainment shows daily.
Only nine entertainment programmes will be allowed during prime time every day. They will be encouraged to increase the number of news and educational programmes.
They will also be required to broadcast at least two hours of news programmes between 6 a.m. and midnight. Each channel has also been ordered to create programmes that promotes traditional values.
SARFT has asked its provincial branches to set up special teams to supervise channels in meeting the new requirements.
It warned that those violating the rules would face punishments ranging from formal warnings to suspension of broadcast.
Only two programmes will be allowed weekly on each of the country's 34 TV channels, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said.
The new rules will come into force from Jan 1, Xinhua reported.
Under the new directive, a channel can broadcast a maximum of 90 minutes of content defined as entertainment every day during prime time from 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The aim is to curb 'excessive entertainment' and 'low taste' programmes, said the statement. Talent contests and reality shows, among others, are under the scanner.
SARFT will also control the number of entertainment shows daily.
Only nine entertainment programmes will be allowed during prime time every day. They will be encouraged to increase the number of news and educational programmes.
They will also be required to broadcast at least two hours of news programmes between 6 a.m. and midnight. Each channel has also been ordered to create programmes that promotes traditional values.
SARFT has asked its provincial branches to set up special teams to supervise channels in meeting the new requirements.
It warned that those violating the rules would face punishments ranging from formal warnings to suspension of broadcast.
