China8217;s television watchdog has capped the amount of entertainment programmes,including reality TV shows,that satellite channels can broadcast from next year and have been asked to promote traditional virtues and socialist core values.
Each of the countrys 34 satellite channels will be limited to two such entertainment programs each week,said a statement issued Tuesday by the State Administration of Radio,Film and Television SARFT.
Under the new directive,a channel can also broadcast a maximum of 90 minutes of content defined as entertainment every day during prime time 7:30 pm to 10 pm. All media in China is state owned.
Each province has its own own television channel. The decision is the latest move to curb TV shows of excessive entertainment and low taste,programmes like matchmaker,talent contests,talk shows and reality shows,the statement said.
The watchdog will also control number of entertainment shows nationwide. When the rules come into force January 1,channels will be required to broadcast at least two hours of news programmes between 6 am and midnight.