Watchdog bans sexually explicit radio programs
7/9/2007 9:56
The national broadcasting watchdog has banned sexually explicit radio
shows by two stations in Sichuan Province.
A provincial radio station in
Sichuan and a municipal station in Chengdu, the provincial capital, were said to
have "aired programs about sex and drugs daily for two to three hours after
9pm," according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and
Television.
"The programs contained extremely pornographic material,
causing great harm to the psychological development of young people, fouled the
social air and damaged the reputation of the country's broadcasting
institutions," the administration said.
It ordered the two stations to
suspend the shows immediately and severely punish the producers.
A
statement from SARFT then reiterated the importance of "creating a harmonious
cultural environment for the younger generation."
Code of
ethics
"All stations are prohibited from organizing, making or
broadcasting shows that flout the code of ethics, violate science and
civilization or feature sexual content," it said.
"Relevant departments
should conduct thorough check-ups on all local programs and correct
irregularities," it said.
Earlier this year, the SARFT warned television
stations screening reality shows that they would be punished if they failed to
monitor the quality of the programs.
The SARFT has strengthened its
supervision and administration of all TV channels and radio stations recently.
It has reiterated bans on sexually suggestive commercials, programs on plastic
and transsexual surgery and vulgar talent shows.
At a conference in
November, SARFT deputy director Zhang Haitao defined "vulgar programs" as those
with content depicting violence, pornography and horror.
Xinhua
|
