China to ban foreign cartoons during prime time

China to ban foreign cartoons during prime time
Feb 21, 2008 02:17
JOHNNY512 Points: Join Date: Nov 29, 2004 Status: offline	According to a circular issued by China's TV watchdog the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), China will impose its ban on foreign cartoons during prime time by an hour claiming its latest initiative to "spur the domestic cartoon industry". The ban reads: <<No foreign cartoons or programs introducing foreign cartoons can be shown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the "golden hours", on all domestic cartoon channels and children channels starting May 1st. Only domestic cartoons approved by SARFT can be aired during the "golden hours".>> In 1981, the first foreign cartoon was introduced to China. The cartoon was Japan's "Astro Boy" series. From then on, a large quantity of foreign cartoons have flooded into China. In the recent years, China's cartoon programs have almost been monopolized by Japanese cartoons. In January last year, the TV watchdog also requested that the country's satellite TV broadcasters only screen "ethically inspiring TV series" during prime time, reflecting the reality of China in a positive way, said the cirular. The TV watchdog claimed: the ban will "enhance the SARFT's management over cartoon programs and will create a favorable environment for the domestic cartoon industry,"according to the circular. What do you think of this ban? Is this ban a kind of cultural protectionism? Some kids will possibly have to miss some cartoon programs.

Feb 21, 2008 02:17

JOHNNY512
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Join Date: Nov 29, 2004
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According to a circular issued by China's TV watchdog the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT), China will impose its ban on foreign cartoons during prime time by an hour claiming its latest initiative to "spur the domestic cartoon industry".

The ban reads:
<<No foreign cartoons or programs introducing foreign cartoons can be shown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the "golden hours", on all domestic cartoon channels and children channels starting May 1st. Only domestic cartoons approved by SARFT can be aired during the "golden hours".>>

In 1981, the first foreign cartoon was introduced to China. The cartoon was Japan's "Astro Boy" series. From then on, a large quantity of foreign cartoons have flooded into China. In the recent years, China's cartoon programs have almost been monopolized by Japanese cartoons.

In January last year, the TV watchdog also requested that the country's satellite TV broadcasters only screen "ethically inspiring TV series" during prime time, reflecting the reality of China in a positive way, said the cirular.

The TV watchdog claimed: the ban will "enhance the SARFT's management over cartoon programs and will create a favorable environment for the domestic cartoon industry,"according to the circular.

What do you think of this ban? Is this ban a kind of cultural protectionism? Some kids will possibly have to miss some cartoon programs.

Feb 21, 2008 02:22	#1
JOHNNY512 Points: Join Date: Nov 29, 2004 Status: Offline	No foreign cartoons available any more during prime time

Feb 21, 2008 10:39	#2
GRIZ326 Points: Join Date: Jun 12, 2006 Status: Offline	Cartoons have a powerful influence on children. While politically the government may get some heat for doing this, it may be a case of the government erroring on the side of caution. I have not see the cartoons in question, so I do not know.

Feb 21, 2008 19:30

SHESGOTTOBE
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Join Date: Nov 23, 2007
Status: Offline

I doubt that it would have any effect. There are ways of getting around it. Pirated/downloaded animes, anyone? O_o

Many current pure and unadulterated animes (Japanese cartoons) are very heavy on violence, philosophical messages and some nude contents. I bet they have to do a lot of editing before they show them on TV. Actually, I’m even surprised that they are showing Japanese cartoons in China. By the way, Astroboy was created in the 60’s, making it one of the earliest animes. First anime that got me hooked though was Voltes V. I even memorized the beginning and ending theme songs, in Japanese, hehe... ^_^”

Feb 21, 2008 19:34	#4
SHESGOTTOBE Points: Join Date: Nov 23, 2007 Status: Offline	Voltes V!

Feb 21, 2008 20:15	#5
SUNNYDREAM Points: Join Date: Jun 11, 2007 Status: Offline	Some of the Japanese cartoons contain sex, violence content. But some cartoon programs are not bad. Foreign cartoons are prohibited to be shown during prime time? This may not be a piece of good news. Children will miss some good cartoon programs.

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