Overseas audiovisual programs will be banned from prime-time broadcasts, and overseas news programs will be completely banned under proposals of the National Radio and Television Administration.

An exposure draft on regulating overseas audiovisual programs, issued on Sept 20, says television and radio broadcasters would not be allowed to broadcast such programs between 7 pm and 10 pm without the State Council's approval. Importing overseas news and current affairs programs would be illegal for any organization or person.

The definition of "overseas" (jingwai) is not specified in the document, but according to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, jingwai refers to any region apart from the Chinese mainland, indicating that the regulations apply to audiovisual programs from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well.

The broadcast time of overseas programs, including but not limited to films, TV series, animation and documentaries, may not exceed 30 percent of the total daily broadcast time of the specific categories.

The regulations also apply to online broadcasters, as the amount of overseas programs on online audiovisual service providers may not exceed 30 percent of the total available programs within one genre.

The imported and distributed programs, according to the regulation document, should help enrich people's spiritual and cultural lives, absorb outstanding global cultural achievements, and promote equal exchanges among Chinese and foreign cultures.

Meanwhile, the government strictly bans programs produced by individuals or overseas organizations engaging in activities which offend the dignity, honor and interests of China; undermine social stability; or harm the relations between ethnic groups.

The importation and distribution of these programs should be authorized by the copyright owner, and the broadcast should be limited to the permitted time and scope of the authorization.

The supervision and administration of the importation and distribution fall on the department in charge of radio and television at the State Council, while competent departments of local governments at or above the county level shall hold supervisory and administrative responsibilities within its administrative division.

The document states that competent departments of governments at or above the county level should establish a comprehensive supervision system. In a case where a violation of the present regulation document is detected, the government should take necessary measures to restrain and rectify it, and also report to the competent department at the State Council.

If an importation or broadcasting organization is involved in the violation of laws or regulations, the competent department could summon its legal representative, responsible official or chief editor for a conversation involving a warning.

In the case of special circumstances, such as the requirements of public interests, the competent department at the State Council could terminate the broadcasting or substitute certain programs.

The regulation document specifies that the overseas audiovisual programs for cinema screening or media products - such as DVDs, CDs and videotapes - shall first follow other national regulations for that specific category.