By Leshi Adebayo
China’s Broadcast Regulator, the National Radio and Television Administration, on Thursday, banned reality talent programmes.
The AFP reported that the agency ordered broadcasters to promote more masculine contents, instead of “immoral” pop culture which Beijing believes is leading the youths astray.
According to NRTA, talent shows that put hundreds of aspiring young performers through rigorous trainings and subject them to public votes have become massively popular in China, resulting into criticisms over obsessive fans and poor role models.
In a raft of new regulations, China’s Broadcast Regulator said, “Broadcast and TV institutions must not screen idol development programmes or variety shows and reality shows.”
The regulator mandated broadcasters to abstain from “abnormal aesthetics” like “sissy” men, “vulgar influencers”, stars’ inflated pay and performers with “lapsed morals”. They were ordered to promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture and advanced socialist culture.
Chinese Government faced with falling birth rates, have tried to instill traditional masculine values in its youths by increasing gym classes and shunning male entertainers with effeminate appearances likened to Korean popstars.
Before the declaration of the ban amongst other regulations, popular Chinese blogger, Feng Xiaoyi had his account suspended by Douyin (China’s TitTok version) for “promoting unhealthy values” videos which was tagged ‘sissy’ by users.
Last week, another action was taken by Video streaming site, iQiyi, which said it is cancelling all future idol talent shows in production stage.
After numerous scandals implicated China’s top entertainers few months ago, Chinese authorities have taken stern measures to curb dodgy financial and “immoral” conducts in the entertainment industry. The authorities are said to be on a mission to curb chaotic fandoms termed irrational celebrity worships.
As a result, Chinese actress, Zheng Shuang was fined the equivalent of $46 million for tax evasion last week, as Chinese-Canadian pop star and former idol, Kris Wu has been detained on rape charges.
Also, in May, Beijing TV regulators stopped the airing of “Youth With You 3”, a popular idol talent show, saying such shows often urge fans to buy sponsored products in order to vote, but the new regulations ban this practice.
