Reality TV shows in China are set to be limited at the end of June, as the nation's media watchdog announced the implementation of new "tougher" rules, restricting TV broadcasters to cut down reality series to one program each year with content that must be "close to the masses."
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), the nation's media watchdog, clarified that the new policy does not differentiate foreign and domestic shows, as it only aims to control the content of TV programs, adding that online video providers in the country are not affected by the policy.
However, foreign TV shows must be approved by SAPPRFT before being posted to Chinese video sites, wherein producers must submit the entire season to the agency to gain permission. The said policy was implemented in April.
Currently, reality shows are very much adored by Chinese TV viewers, urging production companies to launch cheap and cheerful movie adaptations which are usually a box-office hit.
Most reality TV shows in the country are based from South Korean formats like "Dad, Where Are We Going?", a reality show by MBC featuring five celebrity fathers and their children as they travel to rural places and go on camping missions, and "Running Man," a variety show by South Korea's national broadcaster SBS wherein contestants compete against each other doing various challenges.
Jiangsu TV's popular program "We Are in Love," on the other hand, was suspended this week due to technical reasons.
According to authorities, the show needed to have "more normal people falling in love on the show," China Entertainment News reported.
China's new rule on reality shows is in accordance with President Xi Jinping's moral crusade, where the government is being strict on the content of TV shows.