[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Languages
Last Updated: Wednesday, 26 September 2007, 06:49 GMT 07:49 UK
China bans 'sexy' advertisements
A woman looks at TV screens in Wuhan, China
Broadcasters breaking the rules will be punished, the watchdog said
China's broadcasting watchdog has banned all "sexually suggestive" advertising on television and radio, state media has reported.

Adverts for products like sex-related health supplements and sex toys will be prohibited, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said.

"Vulgar" adverts for things like breast enhancements and female underwear will also be banned, Sarft said.

The watchdog said the move was taken as the adverts were "socially corrupting".

'Morally depraving"

In a circular on Tuesday, Sarft said that adverts featuring suggestive language or scantily-clad women were "detrimental to society", Xinhua news agency reported.

Super Voice Girls
China has introduced controls on popular talent shows

"Sexually suggestive ads and bad ads not only mislead consumers seriously and harm public health, but are socially corrupting and morally depraving, and directly discredit the radio and TV industry," the circular said.

Broadcasters that do not obey the rules would face severe penalties, it said.

Sarft has been tightening its grip ahead of the Chinese Communist Party's five-yearly congress in October.

Last month, it banned a talent show for being "vulgar" and earlier this week it ordered strict curbs on Pop Idol-style TV shows.

Observers said that one reason for the crackdown was a view that participants were negative role models for the young.

SEE ALSO
China slaps curbs on talent shows
23 Sep 07 |  Entertainment
China bans 'vulgar' talent show
17 Aug 07 |  Entertainment
Jackie Chan film 'angers Chinese'
31 Jul 07 |  Entertainment
China censors 'cut' Pirates film
15 Oct 07 |  Entertainment



FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific