China has banned reality talent shows that promote “sissy” men and instead asked broadcasters to promote content that shows masculine representations of men, in a wide-ranging crackdown on “immoral” pop culture Beijing believes is leading young people astray. The move is part of a wider crackdown on the booming entertainment industry.
According to an AFP report, Chinese state regulators asked TV producers and show-makers to stop making content that shows feminine men and vulgar content and instead should make programmes that show men in a strong and masculine form. Talent shows that put hundreds of aspiring young performers through rigorous boot camps and subject them to public votes have become massively popular in China, sparking criticism over obsessive fans and poor role models. “Broadcast and TV institutions must not screen idol development programmes or variety shows and reality shows,” China’s broadcast regulator, the National Radio and Television Administration said, in a raft of new regulations. Beijing authorities appear to be moving on sectors that are seen as wielding influence among Chinese youth. In announcing the restrictions, the Chinese Communist Party’s publicity department accused the entertainment industry of “severely polluting the social atmosphere” and being a bad influence on young people.
In recent years, reality shows have gained traction with younger audiences in China, but have come under fire from authorities for promoting poor role models. At the same time, regulators have vowed to curb the behaviours of China’s “chaotic” fandoms, such as what they deem to be irrational celebrity worship. Such programmes have also faced criticism for showing men and women indulging in activities that many say go against Chinese culture.
