Chinese authorities are pressing to ban the broadcast of foreign TV shows during primetime and restrict international content during the rest of the day.
Foreign content will be limited to 30% of daily airtime on all TV channels and video streaming platforms, with none at all allowed between 7-10pm, according to draft regulations published by the National Radio and Television Administration.The regulator said the restrictions were necessary for the “protection of social stability” and to guard against content that “deviates from core socialist values”.
The participation of foreign actors, writers, directors and other industry professionals will also be limited to one fifth of total staff involved in Chinese TV drama productions.
A public consultation is expected to run until 20 October before the regulations become law.
It is the first legislation introduced by the National Radio and Television Administration since the regulation of media and entertainment moved to the Communist Party’s propaganda department in March. The now defunct State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) had previously overseen the sector.
