China reins in TV gala extravaganzas

China's television stations have been urged by regulator to register their plans for TV gala programs, a move to curb superfluous cookie-cutter shows and promote frugality.

The State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued a statement on Friday that all programs should be registered two months before being staged and aired, to enable the regulator to cap the number of such programs if necessary.

TV stations must strictly control the broadcast of such programs produced by other organizations. Gala programs without proper approval or which violate regulations should not be aired. Stations must cooperate to stagger schedules and prevent too many similar programs being aired at a same time.

The measures are part of a campaign by Chinese authorities to curb extravagance in such shows. TV galas should focus on spiritual and aesthetic enrichment; ostentation and sensationalism must be avoided, the statement said.

The statement also told the TV stations to increase the opportunities for ordinary members from the public to participate in galas and cut the time and funds lavished on entertainers and stars.

Many TV stations, including national broadcaster China Central Television, have already acted on the new regulation and made adjustments to their gala program plans.

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