China restricts prime-time television programming

China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has ordered that only "ethically inspiring" television programs may be broadcast during the prime time hours. The restrictions are to go into effect in February and last at least eight months. According to China's press agency, Xinhua, "SARFT has instituted a four-level censorship system for home-made TV series. Before being screened, homemade TV series must be vetted by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and by the SARFT."

The Xinhua report says the restrictions have been imposed with an eye toward the upcoming Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, scheduled to take place later this year. It also notes that SARFT "has previously imposed several restrictions on TV programs, including a ban on foreign cartoons during prime time from last September, and a crackdown on 'vulgar reality shows' earlier this month."