Beijing bans entertainment news that promotes Western lifestyles and celebrities, or pokes fun at Chinese values

Beijing has forbidden reports of entertainment news that promote “Western lifestyles”, poke fun at traditional Chinese values and cultural classics, such as mythical heroes, or publish details of celebrities’ love affairs.

An official notice issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has ordered all news platforms, including radio, television, and new media, to ensure their reports about the world of entertainment and celebrities comply with the Communist Party’s ideologies and adopt a positive tone.

Reports that focus on Western lifestyles, the lives of celebrities, and give details of personal private matters, including love affairs and family disputes, must be “firmly prevented”, the notice added.

Stories that exaggerate details about peoples’ rise to overnight fame and fortune, and show off their wealth, or report how they achieved success by being selfish or using intrigue against others are also banned.