China is ramping up its crackdown on entertainment forms, temporarily suspending reality shows and delving deeper into the Internet to scrutinize online content for signs of “vulgarity.”
The latest measures from China’s media regulator, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), come after recent bans on raunchy jokes and suggestive lyrics on TV and in films.
A circular issued Wednesday said several categories of programming, including talent competitions and variety shows with themes of finding true love, would be suspended at least through the end of January.
The move is part of a broader campaign to instill more “positive energy” in China’s entertainment culture. It has taken aim recently at state-owned television stations, Internet livestreams and mobile applications, including a ban on vulgar comedy sketches and hip-hop music videos with “vulgar and negative content.”
In recent weeks, SAPPRFT has intensified its campaign against vulgarity, issuing warnings and ordering program suspensions at least through the end of the year. Meanwhile, provincial governments have taken action against online video streaming sites and app developers, citing a need to “purify the Internet environment.