China has stipulated a set of rules on broadcasting DV (digital video) productions via TV stations, cinemas, film festivals or exhibitions, and the Internet, in a bid to step up regulation of their content, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

China has seen a rapid popularization of mini-DV cameras in recent years and DV productions made by some organizations and individuals have become a source of audiovisual programs for TV stations and Internet websites, said a circular issued by the administration recently.

"Their content is mostly wholesome," the circular said, but a small portion of DV productions is obscure and negative in theme and content, with some of them sent overseas for exhibition. "That has caused a bad effect," the circular said.

The administration therefore demanded all DV productions be approved before being broadcast on TV stations, in cinemas, and on the Internet, according to relevant national regulations on radio, TV, and film management.

"Those violating relevant regulations or lacking taste and having incorrect themes are forbidden to be broadcast and spread," the administration said.

"Those concerning religion, nationality, and sensitive subjects must seek advice and get approval from the local government departments concerned before being broadcast, it said. "Those productions whose content is questionable or may cause negative effect on society are forbidden to be aired."

The circular stressed that any organizations or individuals who attend film festivals or exhibitions held by overseas organizations with their DV productions must get or show their permit for releasing TV plays, or permit for showing films, or certificate to prove that their DV productions have been broadcast to the public on the nation's TV stations.

"Those organizations or individuals who bring their DV productions overseas for exhibition without getting permit and cause a bad impact, are not allowed to take up production and business activities of other radio, TV programs and films for three years," the circular said. "And all the nation's TV stations, Internet websites and cinemas are not allowed to broadcast their DV productions for three years."

Showing films shot by DV cameras or formatted from DV productions in cinemas, TV stations and overseas film exhibitions should follow relevant national regulations on film management, the circular said.

It also required that Internet websites must obtain a license for releasing audiovisual programs before broadcasting DV productions.

Local radio, TV and film departments need to get approval from the corresponding departments at the provincial level or above if they want to organize a regional or national competition or exhibition of DV productions, according to the circular.

If it is an international exhibition, they must get approval from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the circular said.

(China Daily June 7, 2004)