By Greg Donaldson
Impunity Watch, Asia
BEIJING, China – It has been confirmed that Chinese government officials have placed a one year suspension on the popular TV talent show “Super Girl.” “Super Girl”, which is modeled after “American Idol,” has drawn nearly 400 million viewers in the past.
When questioned about the ban placed on Super Girl, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) explained that the show exceeded the ninety minute time limit for talent competitions. SARFT claims that episodes of “Super Girl” can last more than three hours.
When speaking of “Super Girl,” government officials have described the program as “vulgar,” “manipulative,” and “poison for our youth.”
Li Hao, spokesperson for Hunan Satellite Television which aired “Super Girl”, said next year the station will air programs at night that encourage healthy morals, public safety, and give practical information about housework.
The ban has evoked much criticism of the Chinese government and organizations that regulate such as SARFT.
A senior employee at Hunan Satellite Television told BBC that SARFT was bitter over the popularity and financial success of “Super Girl.” “It is widely believed that the real reason for the ban is that Hunan TV’s talent programs have been extremely popular,” she said.
Others suggest the ability of viewers to vote for their favorite contestants was “dangerously democratic.” This theory has credibility as the government banned text-messaging voting in 2007.
Zhan Jiang, a journalism professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University said the ban is a reflection of the rift between the younger generation and the conservative bureaucrats who have kept a close watch on what kind of programs appear on media channels throughout the country.
“Super Girl” was previously banned in 2006 for three years, following a campaign by a cultural minister opposing the show. The minister, Liu Zhongde, said “Super Girl is certainly the choice of the market, but we can’t have working people reveling all day in low culture.”
Interestingly, an article was published in the China Daily eleven days ago about “Super Girl’s” dying popularity and appeal. The article explained that contestants and judges left much to be desired. The article quoted Li Hao as saying “Let’s face it. The heyday of reality singing shows is over.”
In addition to the ban placed on “Super Girl,” media regulators also imposed a one month suspension on a television station in the province of Hebei which displayed a son criticizing his father.
For more information, please see:
BBC- China takes popular TV talent show Super Girl off air – 19 September 2011
New York Times – Popularity May Have Doomed Chinese TV Talent Show – 19 September 2011
People’s Daily Online – Super girl taken off air – 19 September 2011
China Daily – Reality kicks in – 8 September 2011
