TV regulators clamp down on "excessive entertainment"

China’s TV regulator announced plans to limit the number of entertainment programs aired during prime time to two beginning next year, amid a broader push to replace content featuring “the dark and gloomy side of society” with morality-building programming, Reuters reported, citing state media. The directive, issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, aims to guard against “excessive entertainment,” said the official Xinhua news agency. It will replace the game shows, talk shows, talent shows and reality shows aired by satellite TV stations between 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm with programs that “promote harmony, health and mainstream culture.” Regulations also stipulate that at least two hours of news must be broadcast during the last six hours of the day on 34 stations, according to Xinhua. Domestic media reported in September that SARFT had asked provincial TV stations to limit certain types of entertainment broadcasts; the same month, the administration ordered “Super Girl,” a popular TV show akin to “American Idol,” off the air.