Pursuant to a 1993 directive of the State Council, people who
wish to install a satellite TV receiver must obtain a permit from
the local radio and TV administration. Production and sale of this
equipment is also subject to official approval. However, the
illegal use, manufacture and sale of the equipment is rampant,
according to a Xinhua News Agency report Sunday.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT)
says that counter-revolutionary information, violence and
pornography in some overseas satellite TV programs has damaged
social stability and the socialist spiritual civilization. It did
not elaborate.
In some prospering areas such as Shenzhen, residents who want to
watch overseas satellite TV programs but find it difficult to
obtain an official permit install a satellite TV dish they buy on
the black market.
SARFT and several other government entities have combined to
launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal practices concerning the
production, sale and use of satellite TV receiving equipment.
The authorities will tighten requirements for manufacturing and
sale permits and review existing licenses. Inspections will also be
carried out to detect satellite TV receivers that do not have
official permits. But officials have not specified penalties.
Subdistrict offices and neighborhood committees will be asked to
join the campaign, the Xinhua report said.
The TV watchdog has asked Chinese TV broadcasters to produce
more attractive programs to lure back viewers who opt for overseas
TV channels.
(Shenzhen Daily July 19, 2004)