China Central Television (CCTV) will not air a new season for its "Dream of China" show this year, one of the country's most popular annual reality TV contests.

The show's chief director, Lv Yitao, told the Beijing News on Thursday that the break will allow producers to concentrate on the station's regular programs.

He denied the decision was made because of a recent circular issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television limiting shows in the category to run for no more than two and a half months.

Previously, the star-producing program ran around four months each year, earning huge amounts of money for the station by inviting millions of viewers' mobile messages.

CCTV is one of Chinese television channels running reality contests to entice audiences, following the overwhelming success of Hunan Television's "Super Girl" singing competition in 2005.

However, previous reports suggest Hunan Television has also decided to put on a stop on its most popular show this year.
 
(CRIENGLISH.com March 2, 2007)