China tightens regulation on health-related TV programmes

China's top broadcast watchdog today said it will tighten regulation over health and medical related TV programmes and advertising.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) recently issued a circular stating that such programmes could only be produced by TV station personnel, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Such programmes will also be required to be reviewed and recorded. Programmes made by private companies will not be allowed on air, the circular said.
SARFT also banned advertisements during such programmes.
Experts on medical or health programmes must have relevant qualifications issued by health authorities, according to the circular that also imposed limits on the length and form of medical advertisements.

Each advertisement should not exceed one minute, with advertisements disguised as TV programmes strictly prohibited, it said.