China on Reality TV Show Cut Back?

The Chinese government's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television office has started to put pressure on Chinese TV producers to restrict the overflow of reality TV programs on Mainland Chinese airwaves.  In the past two years the idea of American Idol type talent competitions has become very popular throughout the country,  after the success of 2005's 'Super Girl' Talent search. The finale of 'Super Girl' was watched by more than 400 million.

There are currently over 50 of these types of TV shows being produced and it appears that the government is not happy with this tide.  Citing degrading quality and lack of social standards, the body has put restrictions on the amount of reality shows that can be produced and their duration.  They have also pressured producers to use more 'healthy' songs and attire and to avoid showing screaming fans.

Some hypothesize that the government is most concerned about the fact that these newer shows utilize online or SMS based popular votes to chose the winners versus the standard judge's panel.  Experts believe that the government's biggest fear is that one of these nationwide voting events could be twisted into a people's referendum on a social or political issue.

Beyond musical talent shows the government's action is more dramatic, they have banned plastic surgery based reality shows for being 'too bloody'

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