New guidelines issued by two television industry groups advise that same-sex romance, extramarital affairs and underage love should be excluded from TV drama series, media reported on Wednesday.
The new guidelines - jointly issued by the China Television Drama Production Industry Association and the China Television Production Committee of the China Alliance of Radio, Film and Television on December 31 - advised that certain types of content should not be shown in television series, media outlet sina.com.cn reported.
"Uncommon sexual relationships and sexual behaviors" such as same-sex romance and "unhealthy marriage values" such as extramarital affairs and one-night stands are defined as pornographic and vulgar content and therefore cannot be included in TV dramas, the guidelines read.
Additionally, the guidelines advised that "bad behaviors" by juveniles should be prohibited from television screens, including "underage love, smoking, drinking and fighting," as well as "exaggerated poses."
Superstitious and feudal ideas, such as reincarnation and witchcraft, and detailed crime investigation scenes that may inspire criminals were also discouraged.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) ordered the strengthening of online series supervision on Saturday, following the removal of some dramas involving bisexual romance and pornographic content.
Li Jingsheng of the TV drama administration bureau under SAPPRFT said that the administration will shortly announce stricter policies on the modification of online drama content.
