Chinese authorities announce measures to regulate the production of televised talent shows in a bid to increase programme diversity.

“The Voice of China”, “Chinese Idol” and “Happy Boys” are just a few of the many, many televised talent shows airing in China today.

They have continued to thrive despite previous attempts by the Chinese authorities to regulate their production.

However, that may soon change.

China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) announced Wednesday that there are too many such talent shows on television, which are similar in concept as well as content.

It said it will regulate how many televised talent shows can be produced, as well as force broadcasters to spread out the broadcasts of existing ones.

A SARFT spokesperson said the SARFT had decided to step in, so as to “give audiences more choices, and satisfy their need for a more vibrant television culture”.

The SARFT has ruled that no new talent shows can be produced during the regulatory period, while the air dates of talent shows that have not yet been broadcast, will be pushed back to avoid the peak Summer television season.

Chinese television stations will also have to adjust the broadcast timings of currently-airing talent shows so they will not be broadcast on multiple channels at the same time.

“All television stations should improve the intellectual content, values ... of their programmes, and strive to be more creative so as to provide audiences with rich, colourful and diverse television programmes,” said the SARFT.

In addition, it pointed out that television stations must remember to guard against “extravagance”, “dazzling packaging” and “sensationalism”.