News of administration meetings brings fear of Internet TV crackdown

News of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television's meetings with network chief brought fears of a fresh wave of "severe supervision" of China's popular online TV sites Wednesday.

According to a report on cnstock.com, the administration made appointments to meet responsible personnel of seven network television license-holders in China, including China Central Television (CCTV), China Radio International (CRI), China National Radio (CNR), and Zhejiang-based Wasu Media Holding, to study "problems" the current management of networks have.

Six problems were raised by the administration, such as nonstandard cooperation with commercial websites, lack of control on the management of Electronic Program Guides and the selling of "unreported end-products."

Under fire are broadcasts of unauthorized Internet dramas and imported films and TV dramas. Rectifications were demanded within one week, on penalty of losing their license.

It is not the first time the administration's carried out such supervisions. Last month, the administration ordered download channels for illegal software provided by set-top boxes be shut down.

This new movement, said an anonymous insider, sends a clear message that the media supervisor wants to assign responsibilities to specific staff: using a "third party" to excuse responsibility is being cracked down upon.