China plans media rating system

A still shot from Fan Bingbing's latest television series The Empress of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's media watchdog SARFT says it is looking into providing rating systems for television series. Controversial works may be aired on designated channels and at later time periods.

Deputy director Tian Jin of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said the controversial historical television series The Empress of China was removed and re-edited due to complaints by the public that some scenes were unsuitable for minors, according to Legal Daily.

Tian said SARFT did not edit the series comprehensively during its first review and had to modify it accordingly for redistribution.

The Empress of China was removed from air in late December due to "technical reasons." After it returned to the small screen, scenes showing the actresses' cleavages were removed and replaced with close-up shots of their faces.

The story is based on the life of Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, who was China's first and only empress in history. It is widely acknowledged that women in the Tang Dynasty dressed in low-cut dresses.

Chen Xinxin, research director at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences who specializes in media law, said the Chinese law restricts television series with "revealing" scenes to protect the health and well-being of minors as well as to preserve public moral value.

Tian said the revised and more sedate version of Empress won the approval of the wide audience.

"Our creative work, film and television series should distribute China's core values and pass on China's beauty," said Tian.

In experts' opinion, aside from improving laws and regulations, it is also critical to establish a rating system that's suited to China.

"In terms of law, we have to protect our health and well-being of our minors. At the same time, adults have the right to watch what they want. The existing review system for television has not struck the right balance between the two.

"Most TV stations do not separate programs suited for minors from those suited for adults only, which is why the criteria is being reviewed," said Chen.

Chen said a better rating system, adjusting time of broadcast and designating channels for programs with viewers discretion, are fundamental parts of the solution.

SARFT has begun reviewing the rating systems of more than 10 countries and regions and is considering designating different broadcast time for different programs and establishing specific channels for programs unsuitable for minors.

According to SARFT, China's rating system will divide television series into three categories: those unsuitable for minors, those with parental advisory and those appropriate for all audience to see.

"The most difficult job is to draw these lines scientifically, meticulously and reasonably," said Tian.