US TV serials to be under review

New regulations will encourage video websites to refine their overseas purchase plans by taking into consideration more detailed factors, such as a balance in the types and nationalities of TV serials and the needs of audiences, iQiyi's vice-president Wang Zhaonan tells Southern Metropolis Daily.

"Video websites will act more rationally in licensing overseas content. The prices will likely drop. And more attention will be paid to the quality," Sun says.

One major concern is the potential delay in streaming the shows, which could cause audiences to look for pirated versions on illegal websites. The authorities have worked hard to shut down a number of such websites as YYeTs.com and translated subtitle provider Shooter.cn.

Ding Heng, senior director of Youku Tudou, tells Beijing Evening News that his company looks forward to working closely with the authorities on addressing pirated material.

Du from Ze Media says industry regulators will have to improve their supervision to protect video websites' legal rights.

Previously, all overseas TV serials aired on television channels were examined by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. The new regulation, however, requires overseas content streamed on video websites to be examined by regional-level media administrations in provinces where these websites are registered.

Provincial authorities "who have little experience in content examination will have to build a professional team and examine content in various languages", Wang Zhaonan tells Southern Metropolis Daily.