#China Cracks Down On Reality Shows, Toxic Celeb Culture In Sweeping New Regulations

China announced new measures to “resolve the problem of chaos” in the country’s entertainment industry, its latest response to celebrity scandals and online fan culture, which it deems to be causing a “negative impact” on the youth. These sweeping new regulations include a ban on reality talent shows (known locally as idol selection shows) as well as a boycott on “sissy idols,” high pay in showbiz, public figures flaunting their wealth, and vulgar celebrities.

In August, rapper-actor Kris Wu, one of the most high-profile figures in Chinese media, have been arrested by Beijing police on suspicion of rape. A massive online purge followed, in addition to domestic and international brands severing ties with the disgraced celebrity.

The government is also clamping down on obsessive fan groups, or fanquan, which have been the subject of negative public scrutiny in the past few years due to reports of stalking, illegal tracking, and invasive behavior. In 2016, GOT7’s Jackson Wang was injured in a car crash in Xiamen after fans chased his car.

The latest regulations also encompass restrictions that will affect the country’s wealthy and big businesses, including the tech sector.

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The National Radio and Television Administration, China’s entertainment watchdog, released its eight-point plan on September 2, as shared by the SCMP.

1. Boycott illegal or immoral personnel. When selecting entertainers and guests, radio, television and internet platforms should not employ people who have an incorrect political stance, break laws and regulations, or speak or behave against public order and morals.
2. Boycott “traffic only” standards. Idol selection shows cannot be shown, as well as shows starring the children of celebrities. Shows should strictly control voting, cannot induce and encourage fans to shop or buy membership in order to vote for their idols.
3. Boycott an overly entertaining trend, promote traditional culture, establish correct beauty standards, boycott “sissy idols”, boycotting daunting wealth, gossip or vulgar internet celebrities.
4. Boycott high pay in the entertainment industry. Strictly regulate payment for guests, encourage celebrities to participate in charity shows, punish fake contracts and tax evasion.
5. Regulate showbiz staff. Enforce licensing television hosts, provide professional and moral training. Entertainers should not use their profession and fame to gain profit.
6. Promote professional commentary in the entertainment industry, insist on correct political direction and values, criticize the fake, ugly and evil values.
7. Entertainment associations should provide more training and establish mechanisms for industry regulation, as well as criticize bad examples.
8. Regulators need to be more accountable, listen to the people and respond to their concerns, fill public space with positive and mainstream shows.