BEIJING (Reuters) - Days after banning "sexually
provocative sounds" on television, China has now stopped
networks showing "saucy" adverts for push-up bras and
figure-hugging underwear ahead of a major Communist Party
meeting next month.
Other targets of the crackdown are "low-brow and base"
commercials for sex toys and those featuring famous people or
experts attesting to the efficacy of medicines, the State
Administration of Radio, Film and Television said on its Web
site (www.sarft.gov.cn) Friday.
"Every television advertisement management bureau and
television station must strengthen their political
consciousness and responsibility toward society," Tian Jin,
deputy head of the regulator, was quoted as saying.
The order is the latest in a raft of measures which have
included axing reality shows featuring sex changes and plastic
surgery and banning talent contests during prime-time.
The media watchdog's edicts have reached fever pitch in
recent weeks, ahead of a meeting of the 17th Party congress, a
sensitive five-yearly meeting at which key national leaders are
appointed and policy set for the next few years.
It earlier urged the country's increasingly freewheeling
broadcasters to forgo vulgarity and bad taste in the pursuit of
ratings in favor of providing "inspiring" content for the
masses imbued with "socialist" values.
"Create a positive atmosphere for public opinion," the
regulator cited state television head Zhao Huayong as telling
his staff in preparation for the congress.
"Strictly adhere to propaganda requirements; do not rush to
report, do not report impulsively, and make sure there are no
mistakes from reports on any large events," Zhao added.