(Yicai Global) Sept. 21 -- Chinese regulators have set out plans to ban the broadcasting of foreign television shows and radio programs during the primetime hours of 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. each day.

Movies, dramas, cartoons, documentaries and other types of shows from overseas must not take up more than 30 percent of total daily programming time, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television stipulated in a guideline document.

The move is part of plans to curb the negative influence of such shows with authorities highlighting that programming should be beneficial to people's spiritual and cultural life, and act as a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

Public consultation has now opened for the new limits and will run until Oct. 20. They also state that foreign personnel such as writers, directors, actors and other crew, should not make up more than one-fifth of total staff on Chinese TV dramas.

The watchdog warned that those not adhering to the new limits would be punished. Broadcasters showing overseas radio and television programs via satellite services without authorization would also be subject to a fine of at least CNY30,000 (USD4,500).

Editor: William Clegg