Chinese satellite channels punished for lengthy ads

Two Chinese satellite television channels have been banned from broadcasting advertisements for a number of days after single commercials they ran exceeded the permitted duration.

Sichuan Satellite Television Channel and Xinjiang Corps are not allowed to air commercial adverts for seven and 15 days respectively, starting from Jan. 9, according to a State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television statement on Wednesday.

"Despite repeated criticism and orders to correct mistakes, the two satellite channels aired advertisements that each ran over 20 minutes, severely violating rules," the statement said.

A regulation taking effect on Jan. 1 stipulated that satellite TV channels are allowed to broadcast shopping ads, known as infomercials, only once per hour and no more than three minutes every time. The same advert should be aired no more than three times per day.

The rules came into force after viewers complained about infomercials being exaggerated or having false content.

The administration told channels to intensify pre-air censoring of such adverts and avoid any violation.