China's central government broadcasting regulator criticized
Guizhou Radio Station (GRS) for broadcasting "obscene" sex programs
already banned earlier by the agency, and ordered immediate halt of
such illegal programs and punishment of persons responsible.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT)
issued a circular on its website Wednesday to blame GRS, as well as
the Guizhou Provincial Administration of Radio, Film and
Television, for ignoring earlier warnings or failure in
supervision.
The GRS programs "have willfully played on sex life, sex
experience and details of sex organ, and excessively exaggerated
functions of sex enhancement drugs," the decree said.
On Sept. 13, 2007, SARFT banned 13 local radio stations from
airing sexually suggestive programs in five central and southern
provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou and Hainan.
On Nov. 12, however, the economic channel of GRS changed the
name of program and resumed its broadcasting of the same
contents.
SARFT ordered the station to stop airing the content and
discipline staff involved.
It also criticized the Guizhou Provincial Administration of
Radio, Film and Television for inadequate supervision of local
broadcasting stations.
The administration issued circulars in July and September 2007,
banning radio and TV commercials and programs involving drugs,
sex-related health supplements, drugs for sexually transmitted
diseases, sex toys and "vulgar" ads for breast enhancement and
female underwear.
SARFT ordered local broadcasting administrations to follow the
rules and strictly supervise local stations, and it warned that
anyone who violates the regulations shall face punishment.
SARFT also opened an hotline 010-86095315 to solicit public
supervision. The public may also log on its website www.chinasarft.gov.cn to
report on misconduct of radio and television stations, the circular
said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2008)