Jan. 4 (Bloomberg) 
– China’s government said broadcasters must cut the number of entertainment shows during prime time by more than two-thirds, culling a format that exposed a widening wealth gap that contradicts the Communist Party’s core dogma.
– China’s government said broadcasters must cut the number of entertainment shows during prime time by more than two-thirds, culling a format that exposed a widening wealth gap that contradicts the Communist Party’s core dogma.
The total number of entertainment shows, including dating programs, game shows, talk shows and “emotional stories” airing from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. was cut to 38 as of Jan. 1, from 126 at the end of last year,
China announced the plan in October as part of a broader effort by the Communist Party’s Central Committee to assert more control of the media and Internet as it grapples with rising social unrest over work conditions and government corruption.
“In the eye of the commissar, such dramas or shows tend to spotlight socioeconomic ills, and exacerbate ordinary folks’ feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness,” Lam said. “The CCP wants to nurture a society of decreasing contradictions and increasing happiness.”
Harmonious Society
Promoting a “harmonious society” where riots, strikes, and corruption decline and happiness and stability increase is a key theme of President Hu Jintao’s decade-long tenure as China’s top leader.
