From BBC News:
A Chinese TV talent programme has been banned by the state’s broadcasting watchdog for being “vulgar”.
The First Heartthrob (Á¨¨‰∏Äʨ°ÂøÉÂä® ), a Pop Idol-style competition, was accused of catering to “the low-grade interests of a minority” and cancelled with immediate effect. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft) added that the show lacked social responsibility. About 100,000 contestants auditioned for the show, which began last year, said the Chinese news agency Xinhua. [Full Text]
Danwei has produced an extensive dissection of the situation, including a translation of the SARFT announcement and video links to the final on-screen meltdown that seems to have led to the show’s demise.
[Image: TV talent shows have attracted thousands of fans in China, from AP photos.]
