BEIJING, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has banned talent shows from broadcasting during prime time starting Oct. 1.
The move came as part of SARFT’s issued attempts to strengthen its administration of China's blooming talent show industry, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
"All talent shows with mass participation should not be broadcasted from 19:30 to 22:30 (7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. local time) via satellite TV channels at provincial or vice-provincial level," read the regulation from SARFT. "All the votes for the talent show candidates should be cast inside the studios and those out of the studios such as votes by text message of mobile phones, votes by fixed line phones or online votes are all banned.”
The regulation also puts strict rules in place for those who host the talent shows.
"Hosts are prohibited from taunting, flattering, flirting with each other, making inflammatory or sensational remarks or spreading negative news or rumors about the talent show candidates," said the regulation.
