The Tourism Channel, run by Guangdong Southern Media Group (GSMG), had failed to meet the minimum 90-percent requirement for its program content, said a directive of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

It had also broadcast advertisements in breach of its broadcasting permit.

The channel, alongside the GSMG-run Shopping Channel and the Traditional Opera Channel run by Henan Television, aired on the analog network in certain areas, giving access to non-paying viewers, the statement added.

"This practice has severely violated the regulation that prescribes that digital pay TV channels are open to prepaid subscribers only, broadcast a minimum program content of 90 percent, and cannot play commercials except those promoting the channel itself," the statement said.

The channels issued with warnings included the Jiangsu Television-run Dressing Channel which broadcast commercials, the Tianjin Television-run Travel Channel and Fashion Channel, Guizhou Television-run Photography Channel, Liaoning Television-run Game and Sport Channel and Quiz Channel, which all reportedly aired films or dramas under the guise of educational or instructional programs.

Digital pay TV channels are prohibited from airing films or dramas unless they are dedicated to such programs, according to a regulation issued by the SARFT in 2003.

The SARFT had ordered the nine channels to "immediately suspend their violations," the statement said.

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