Central government broadcasting regulators have criticized Hubei
Broadcasting Station (HBS) for broadcasting an obscene program
banned earlier by the censors.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT)
issued a circular on Thursday on its web site criticizing HBS, as
well as the Hubei Provincial Administration of Radio, Film and
Television.
On Sept. 13, 2007, SARFT banned 13 local radio stations from
airing sexually suggestive programs in five central and southern
provinces: Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou and Hainan.
On Jan. 13, however, the economic channel of HBS resumed
broadcasting the banned programs. SARFT ordered the station to stop
airing the content and discipline the staff involved.
It also criticized the Hubei Provincial Administration of Radio,
Film and Television for inadequate supervision of the local
stations.
The administration issued circulars in July and September 2007,
banning radio and TV commercials and programs involving drugs,
sex-related health supplements, drugs for sexually transmitted
diseases, sex toys and "vulgar" ads for breast enhancement and
female underwear.
SARFT ordered local broadcasting administrations to follow the
rules and strictly supervise local stations, and it warned that
anyone who violated the regulations faced punishment.
(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2008)