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.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2004)