The Chinese government is strengthening supervision over new media, as it issued a draft regulation on online visual and audio programs that prohibits websites and media platforms from producing their own news programs.
According to the draft regulation issued on June 10, Wednesday, by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), radio or TV stations starting from the city level must produce all news programs streamed online, while other content including movies and cartoons should follow related regulations.
The draft regulation also required Internet broadcasters to hire "professional supervisors" to review the content of online programs before streaming.
Under the new draft, violators will be fined up to 30,000 yuan ($4,833), and all programs--including all their length and content--must be kept on file for at least two months. It also forbids broadcasters from streaming programs that contain images and information that violate the legal rights of minors or affect their mental health or physical well-being.
Authorities said that they welcome public feedback on the draft until the end of June.
"The new draft is in line with China's efforts to better regulate new media after the stricter supervision over micro-movies and TV shows on video-streaming websites. Several well-produced online programs have gained public recognition, but because of inadequate requirements, many programs of low quality get through," Ying Xiaoqiang, a media observer from Hangzhou, told the Global Times.
Ying said that the move to raise the standards on online news programs is important, as massive information provided on the Internet and authoritative information is crucial for news broadcasts and prevent the public from getting misleading information.
Under the current regulation, which took effect in 2004, all radio and TV stations or news websites licensed under the SAPPRFT can produce and broadcast news programs.