China to tighten controls on news commentary TV show hosts and guests
Use of celebrities and artists as guest hosts will also be prohibited in move analysts say is particularly aimed at news commentary programmes
Many social media users complained yesterday that their favourite dating and singing competitions would suffer, though experts said the true targets of the move were news commentary and talk shows.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television issued a circular on Monday stating that TV shows should not recruit guests as supporting hosts.
The circular added that the administration would “strengthen the education and management of hosts and guests”.
“News commentary shows will soon be affected,” said Hong Kong-based political commentator Johnny Lau. “News shows are recorded, so they are already under close inspection. But news commentary shows will likely undergo self-censorship.”
Scholars said the announcement was not surprising given President Xi Jinping’s tough stance on media.