Soon the end of telecrochets for Chinese viewers?
China on Wednesday banned some reality TV programs and ordered broadcasters to convey a more masculine image of men, as the government regains control in the entertainment world.
Beijing is seeking to clean up a sector marked in recent months by a series of scandals which culminated with the arrest in August of the huge star Kris Wu, suspected of rape.
More recently, actress Zheng Shuang was fined € 39 million last week for tax evasion.
"Programs that develop idolatry"
Telecrochet shows, which allow viewers to vote overwhelmingly for their favorite candidate, are very popular in China.
They are also widely criticized for their harmful influence which pushes some fans to irrational behavior.
"Television channels and online platforms should no longer broadcast programs that promote idolatry or variety and reality shows," said in a statement the National Administration of Television and Radio.
The regulator wants to ban "effeminate" men
The regulator also calls for establishing “correct” beauty criteria and for banning “effeminate” men and “vulgar influencers”.
It is necessary to strengthen and “vigorously promote the excellence of traditional Chinese culture […] and advanced socialist culture”.
Faced with a drop in the birth rate in the country, Beijing criticizes the effeminate allure of certain celebrities, inspired by Korean pop stars.
Already last week, the online video service iQiyi, a Chinese equivalent of Netflix, canceled reality shows.
The internet regulator (CAC) also published new rules on Friday imposing better control of agents of stars and fan clubs, in order to prevent “chaotic” practices in the environment, in particular certain marketing operations or exacerbated consumerism. .
Some telecrochet programs entice viewers to purchase the show's partner products before they can vote for their preferred candidate.
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