Rules on broadcasting DV productions (Xinhua) Updated: 2004-06-07 15:15
China has stipulated a set of rules on broadcasting DV (digital video)
productions via TV stations, cinemas, film festivals or exhibitions, and the
Internet, in a bid to step up regulation of their content, according to the
State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.
China has seen a rapid popularization of mini-DV cameras in recent years and
DV productions made by some organizations and individuals have become a source
of audiovisual programs for TV stations and Internet websites, said a circular
issued by the administration recently.
"Their content is mostly wholesome," the circular said, but a small portion
of DV productions are obscure and negative in theme and content, with some of
them sent overseas for exhibition. "That has caused a bad effect," the circular
said.
The administration therefore demanded all DV productions be approved before
being broadcast on TV stations, in cinemas, and on the Internet, according to
relevant national regulations on radio, TV, and film management.
"Those violating relevant regulations or lacking taste and having incorrect
themes are forbidden to be broadcast and spread," the administration said.
"Those concerning religion, nationality, and sensitive subjects must seek
advice and get approval from the local government departments concerned before
being broadcast, it said. "Those productions whose content is questionable or
may cause negative effect on society are forbidden to be broadcast."
The circular stressed that any organizations or individuals who attend film
festivals or exhibitions held by overseas organizations with their DV
productions must get or show their permit for releasing TV plays, or permit for
showing films, or certificate to prove that their DV productions have been
broadcast to the public on the nation's TV stations.
"Those organizations or individuals who bring their DV productions overseas
for exhibition without getting permit and cause a bad impact, are not allowed to
take up production and business activities of other radio, TV programs and films
for three years," the circular said. "And all the nation's TV stations, Internet
websites and cinemas are not allowed to broadcast their DV productions for three
years."
Showing films shot by DV cameras or formatted from DV productions in cinemas,
TV stations and overseas film exhibitions should follow relevant national
regulations on film management, the circular said.
It also required that Internet websites must obtain a license for releasing
audiovisual programs before broadcasting DV productions.
Local radio, TV and film departments need to get approval from the
corresponding departments at the provincial level or above if they want to
organize a regional or national competition or exhibition of DV productions,
according to the circular.
If it is an international exhibition, they must get approval from the State
Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the circular
said.
