‘Racy’ TV programmes reduced

China’s satellite television channels have cut down on entertainment programmes this year since the broadcasting regulator’s curbs on “excessive entertainment” took effect, China Daily reports.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has cut two-thirds of entertainment programmes on China’s 34 satellite channels considered “racy” since the campaign began, a spokesperson for the administration said on Tuesday.

Since the regulation took effect on 1 January, the total number of entertainment programmes scheduled for prime-time broadcast (per week) has dropped to 38 from 126 at the end of last year.

Under the regulation, each satellite channel can broadcast no more than two entertainment programmes a week and the maximum length of the programme is not to exceed exceed 90 minutes.

The targeted programmes, including dating shows, reality talent shows and emotional stories on the administration’s list, were deemed “excessive entertainment” and showing “a lack of taste”.

“Satellite channels should design programmes with innovative content, promoting traditional virtues and socialist core values in their new entertainment programmes,” the authority said.

Meanwhile, the number of news programmes on the satellite channels has grown to 193 a day, 33 percent more than in 2011.

Currently, news programming on each satellite channel has surpassed two hours, and each channel has at least two 30-minute news programmes during prime time.