Reports: Spy show ban before China party milestone

[May 06, 2011]  HONG KONG (AP) -- Chinese TV regulators have reportedly ordered local broadcasters to stay away from spy and crime thrillers as part of a propaganda buildup for the ruling Communist Party's 90th anniversary July 1.

The Beijing Times reported Thursday that the ban is from May to July. The report cites officials from TV stations in the cities of Tianjin and Shanghai.

On Friday, the Beijing News quoted a TV regulator from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or SARFT, as saying broadcasters will instead air dozens of "outstanding" TV series that are in sync with party anniversary themes.

State-owned studio China Film Group is set to release a propaganda blockbuster, "The Founding of a Party," on June 15.

Calls to a SARFT spokesman went unanswered Friday.

[Associated Press]

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