Pursuant to a 1993 directive of the State Council, people who wish to install a satellite TV receiver must obtain a permit from the local radio and TV administration. Production and sale of this equipment is also subject to official approval. However, the illegal use, manufacture and sale of the equipment is rampant, according to a Xinhua News Agency report Sunday.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) says that counter-revolutionary information, violence and pornography in some overseas satellite TV programs has damaged social stability and the socialist spiritual civilization. It did not elaborate.

In some prospering areas such as Shenzhen, residents who want to watch overseas satellite TV programs but find it difficult to obtain an official permit install a satellite TV dish they buy on the black market.

SARFT and several other government entities have combined to launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal practices concerning the production, sale and use of satellite TV receiving equipment.

The authorities will tighten requirements for manufacturing and sale permits and review existing licenses. Inspections will also be carried out to detect satellite TV receivers that do not have official permits. But officials have not specified penalties.

Subdistrict offices and neighborhood committees will be asked to join the campaign, the Xinhua report said.

The TV watchdog has asked Chinese TV broadcasters to produce more attractive programs to lure back viewers who opt for overseas TV channels.

(Shenzhen Daily July 19, 2004)