The State Department on radio, cinema and television banned Chinese regional television channels to use information, originating from foreign media.

Thus, the document exacts from all the regional television channels to make use of the information provided by the central television of China while covering international events. According to the authors of the document, the reason underlying the measure is “securing sound development of covering foreign affairs within the framework of the right ideological direction”.

Media editors are ordered to reveal the qualities of information, touching upon “significant and up-to-do” issues, namely history, politics, army and religion. Besides, it is exacted that materials are previously approved by a censor.

Tough competition at the Chinese mass media market makes regional companies devote much effort to the struggle for viewer. That is why profiting from foreign media agencies has grown customary practice for some of them. Foreign information surpasses that released by the central television channel from the point of view of entertainment, but also with relation to the depth and immediacy of information.

This is not the first time the Chinese authorities attempt to restrict the freedom of media. In October, 2005 the government abandoned the plans of printing foreign newspapers in China. Besides, the list of films to be demonstrated in commercial cinemas is endorsed by Chinese state officials. Nevertheless, the spread of “hostile” products is increasingly difficult to check due to the expansion of Internet and unlawful distribution of Western films and programmes.