Chinese censors have denounced the growing number of questionable reality shows being aired by local TV stations in a circular issued on Wednesday. Authorities said "vulgar" shows should be replaced by those that promote the Chinese way of life.

Xinhua reported that the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television released the circular demanding that local stations only air TV shows which promote the country's ideals. Television shows that encourage materialism and narcissism ideas must be removed.

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Chinese authorities are worried that many of the country's viewers are hooked on shows that espouse no redeeming values except lavish lifestyles.

Chinese censors deem such shows to be harmful to viewers because they create an unhealthy yearning for a "corrupt" lifestyle. Shows that delve too much into social issues and those that "make up" stories are also deemed to be undesirable for pubic viewing.

The circular adds that the purpose of the ideal show should be to impart "positive energy" and educate viewers in a constructive way, according to ECNS.

Additionally, Chinese censors have denounced local shows that ape the format of foreign television shows. State censors said local producers should base their production on the local culture.

A spokesperson for the censors said many reality shows abide by the government's standards, but a number of them do not, according to Reuters.

The spokesperson noted that shows which passed the censor's standards will be acclaimed. But shows that fail will face censors.

The circular and the spokesperson were not specific on what kind of shows will invite an investigation from the authorities. However, the television watchdog usually targets shows which feature singers who can cause a frenzy among fans. Shows that feature dating couples and also double as adverts for branded goods also face the censor's ax.

Government censors have prohibited movies stars and other famous personalities from hosting shows on television because of their tendency to utter "inappropriate words".

However, the restriction only covers television stations in the mainland. Pundits say Chinese viewers who like "vulgar" shows may still be able to watch foreign television shows online.

TagsChinese reality show, tv reality show, chinese tv regulators, China censorship, Television Censorship China