Better content, broadcast times for singing competition shows rolled out by authorities

By Han Bingbin

China's satellite channels have adjusted broadcast times of singing talent shows due to new restrictive regulations rolled out by the country's authorities, according to Xinhua News Agency.

A spokesman for the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said on Wednesday that satellite channels are not allowed to produce singing talent shows during a given period of time that the administration did not specify.

Shows currently on air will have to adjust their broadcast schedules, and upcoming shows will be put on hold, he said.

But the country's leading satellite channels such as Hunan and Zhejiang TV immediately denied receiving the administration's order and said the broadcast times of some hit shows like Hunan's Super Boy and Zhejiang's The Voice of China will remain unchanged.

On Thursday, however, the administration formally issued further regulations to increase diversity and heighten content of TV shows. As a result, the number of singing talent shows on air or scheduled to be aired during summer vacation has reportedly reduced from nine to seven, among which only three will show at prime time.

For example, Jiangsu TV's star-studded and much-anticipated Celebrity Battle, scheduled for to premier on Aug 5, has been postponed to the fourth quarter. Jiangxi TV's ongoing China Red Song Gala has temporarily ended its run.

For shows like Super Boy and The Voice of China, broadcast times have not been changed. Producers have reportedly promised to enhance the program's music and resist sensationalism.