China issues strict limits on foreign-inspired TV programs

China's television regulator on Sunday issued strict limits on foreign-inspired TV programs in a bid to boost innovation of homemade programs.

Overseas programs with imported copyrights are not allowed to be broadcast on satellite TV channels without the approval of local regulators and a complete filing procedure, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) said in a notice.

Chinese satellite TV channels in recent years copied the models of a number of foreign TV programs by importing the copyrights, making them popular TV programs in the country.

For instance, the Running Man broadcast in Zhejiang TV Channel copied an entertainment program of SBS TV in the Republic of Korea, and another popular program, The Voice of China, was inspired by The Voice of Holland.

The broadcast of those foreign-inspired programs should be firstly put on records in local provincial regulators two months in advance, and the local regulators will report to the SAPPRFT after approving.

All satellite TV channels are allowed to broadcast only two programs with imported copyrights during the prime time from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. every year. Only one new program is allowed to broadcast every year, but it cannot be broadcast during the prime time in the first year, the notice said.

Since July 1, newly-imported TV programs will be banned from being broadcast immediately if it is not put on records as the notice asks. Furthermore, this TV channel will be banned from broadcasting any foreign-inspired programs in one year.

The SAPPRFT said the new regulation came as many TV channels rely on foreign programs, with little original ones. The new regulation will boost self-innovation of Chinese TV channels.

Only self-innovated TV programs with Chinese cultural inheritance and characteristics can better carry the Chinese Dream themes, the socialist core values, as well as patriotism and Chinese fine traditions, the notice said, adding that those homemade programs can tell Chinese stories and advocate Chinese spirit better.

The SAPPRFT urged all TV institutions to view original programs as the core of their work, especially increasing the proportion of original programs in prime time in the evening.

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