China to ban ‘vulgar’ reality

International reality producers eyeing the Chinese market could face further hurdles after the country’s media regulator said it would block “vulgar and damaging” programming.

SAPPRFT (fka SARFT) has said reality shows should promote Chinese values while offering “positive energy” and having an “educational purpose,” according to state news agency Xinhua.

The agency added that while most shows currently available adhered to such values, programming that did not would be expected to adapt.

“Those which lack values or meaning will be given more controls, and those that are vulgar and harmful will be investigated, dealt with or rectified until they are banned,” it explained.

Reality shows including Korean format Infinite Challenge and the BBC’s Don’t Tell The Bride are currently in the works in China alongside a local version of Big Brother, which was ordered by online video operator Youku Tudou last year.

Chinese regulators regularly alter the country’s media laws, revealing in January they were looking to reform its classification system and introduce new channels and time periods to air controversial foreign dramas.

SARFT ruled last year that it must approve all foreign TV content, while US shows including The Big Bang Theory and NCIS were pulled from VoD sites.

However, global companies have become increasingly interested in pursuing opportunities in the country, with Chinese VoD service Alibaba agreeing a multiyear deal with Lionsgate and Sohu acquiring The Simpsons.