Chinese authorities pull plug on 'vulgar' foreign-made TV

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Chinese authorities have banned satellite broadcasters from buying the rights to more than one foreign-made program per year in a bid to tackle "vulgar" and "excessive" entertainment in Chinese television.

A statement from the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television and published in Chinese state media said the ruling would come into effect in 2014. It also stated that these foreign shows would not be allowed to air in prime time between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. during the year the rights were purchased. In February 2013, regulators issued broadcasters with a directive capping imported television shows to 50 episodes, with no more than 25% of a station's total air time devoted to foreign-produced programing. Instead, these key times in the day will be filled with what it described as "morality-building programs" with an educational value.


Chinese authorities pull plug on 'vulgar' foreign-made TV