Chinese TV

One reason I probably couldn't live in China is the lack of good TV programming. I understand there are cultural differences but I can't find anything good to watch. CCTV9 is a total waste of time and the rest of the channels typically shows historical dramas or anti-Japanese dramas. There are only two channels that I found something decent to watch: Hunan TV and Jiangsu TV. Hunan TV shows a lot of Korean dramas and also the popular Super Girl singing shows; Jiangsu TV shows the dating game where 24 girls decide whether they want to go out with male contestants. Good stuff.

Super Girl has gotten into trouble with government censors (SARFT) before since they allow viewers to vote on the contest winners and we know how the CCP views voting and any display of democracy. Anyway, it looks like Super Girl is in trouble again.

BBC News

Chinese regulators have told a TV station to stop broadcasting a popular talent show called Super Girl.

The authorities say the programme is too long - although many suspect other reasons.

Hunan Satellite Television, which makes the programme, said it would air shows that promote moral ethics and public safety instead.

Chinese officials often ban programmes they think are too vulgar or not suitable.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) told the Hunan station that Super Girl broke time rules for this kind of show.

They should be no more than 90 minutes long, but episodes of Super Girl - in which women of all ages compete in a singing contest - can last more than three hours.

But a senior employee at the station told the BBC that regulators were jealous of the popularity and financial success of Super Girl.

"It is widely believed that the real reason for the ban is that Hunan TV's talent programmes have been extremely popular," she said.

"Sometimes its audience can exceed that of the national broadcaster, something that causes unhappiness in SARFT. It's all down to interests."

Some also suggest that the programme was too low-brow or in bad taste - a reason often given by regulators for banning a programme

Too long?! Why don't they show it over two episodes then. Weird.

Hunan Satellite Television said it would abide by the regulators' decision to ban Super Girl next year and would instead show more uplifting programmes.

"The channel will air programmes that promote moral ethics and public safety, and provide practical information for housework," Li Hao, the station's deputy editor-in-chief, was quoted as saying.

Wow, gripping television... moral ethics, public safety, and practical information for housework. I'll bet that will spike the ratings.