China is expected soon to forbid all TV stations from broadcasting films and teleplays that feature violence and murder during prime time.

"Select programs suitable for a young audience will be shown," said Zhao Shi, vice director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Zhao said his administration is expected to soon issue a circular to that end.

The decision was made on the basis of comments by parents and also a major part of an administration move to clean the content of programs, according to Zhao, who said programs with violence and murder are not forbidden in non-prime time.

The effort is expected to help build a sound living and growing environment for the youth and, as a policy, to help control production of violent shows and promote other healthy ones, he said.

The administration will also make an effort to help clean up base content in films and plays.