By China has banned reality talent programmes and ordered broadcasters to promote more masculine representations of men.
Talent shows that put hundreds of aspiring young performers through rigorous boot camps and subject them to public votes have become massively popular in China, sparking criticism over obsessive fans and poor role models.
China’s broadcast regulator, the National Radio and Television Administration, in a raft of new regulations said “Broadcast and TV institutions must not screen idol development programmes or variety shows and reality shows,”
“At present, most of the reality television shows are correctly oriented, have healthy content and are acclaimed by society,” Xinhua said, citing an unnamed spokesman for the regulator.
But some shows do not reach these high standards, it said.
“High quality reality television shows will get great support. Those which lack values or meaning will be given more controls, and those which are vulgar and harmful will be investigated, dealt with or rectified until they are banned.”
Last month, the media regulator banned celebrities such as actors and actresses from appearing as presenters on television shows to ensure no “improper remarks” are made while on air.
Despite the restrictions, Chinese people can easily access more racy entertainment from Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States or other countries via the Internet.
