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The Chinese regime announced a series of restrictions on television programming this week as part of the regime's new focus on cultural reform -- something it says is needed to maintain social cohesion. The new rules have not been received well though, in a country where media is already heavily restricted.
For the Chinese public, another aspect of their daily life will be subject to regulation by the state. On Tuesday, the state media watchdog ordered TV stations to cut back on entertainment shows, replacing them with more state-controlled news programs. The regulations will go into effect next year.
The Chinese regime had already stepped up restrictions on satellite TV programs before. This new plan will reduce entertainment programs on subjects like marital problems, matchmaking, as well as reality and talent shows.
In all, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, has singled out seven types of programs that it says are "overly entertaining." Across the country's 34 satellite televisions, no more than nine of these programs can be shown during prime time. For an individual channel, only two of these programs can be shown per week and they must be less than 90 minutes in total. The SARFT order does not affect state-run CCTV.
The entertainment restriction comes after senior Communist officials recently discussed the importance of "cultural development." The Chinese regime wants satellite TV to contribute to social cohesion by showing more news and cultural programs, and those promoting morality. But one commentator doubts whether this will be effective, as TV has become less relevant for most audiences.
