The 'everything banned from Chinese TV' list just got longer

Regulators have added 'overt admiration of Western lifestyles' to the list

Reality TV shows such as Big Brother which 'advocate overnight fame' are disapproved of by Chinese regulators (PA)

Television shows that glamourise “Western lifestyles” have been added to China’s ever-growing censorship list.

State-run news agency Xinhua has reported that the country’s media regulator will be curbing news content that “puts stars, billionaires or internet celebrities on pedestals” as well as cracking down on reports that “sensationalises private affairs, relationships or family disputes”.

“Overt admiration of Western lifestyles” will be censored, as will “foreign-inspired TV” in an attempt by regulators to “boost innovation of homemade programmes”. Shows should avoid making jokes about Chinese traditions and “defiling classics” while “overnight fame, wealth parade or hedonism, selfishness and intrigue” should also not be advocated.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television stated that social and entertainment news reporting should strive to convey “positive energy” and mainstream ideologies at all times.

The promotion of “smoking, drinking, fighting and other unhealthy behaviour” is already banned from Chinese TV, while homosexuality is still categorised alongside incest and sexual abuse as “abnormal sexual behaviour” that should not appear on screen. Cleavage should always be kept to a minimum.

Back in 2011, China’s regulators called for an end to sci-fi dramas that “casually make up myths, have monstrous and weird plots, use absurd tactics and even promote feudalism, superstition, fatalism and reincarnation”. They stated that writers and producers should “by no means be encouraged” to “treat serious history in a frivolous way”.

Broadcasters are also banned from using the children of celebrities on screen, after regulators decided that they should be allowed to lead a normal childhood away from the spotlight.

Violators of the new guidelines risk being named and shamed or having their license cancelled.