Beijing
China this week announced strict new guidelines for prime-time television shows. Under the new rules, only “ethically inspiring” shows may air during peak viewing hours. The move is the latest in the government’s general overhaul of TV standards. All television stations in mainland China are state-owned, but in recent years, many station managers have strayed from the traditional, boring programming, adding reality shows and racy costume dramas. Last fall, the national broadcast overseer struck back, banning foreign cartoons during prime time. In January, it announced a ban on “vulgar” reality shows.
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