China tightens regulation on medical TV ads

China's media watchdog announced that it would tighten regulation over health and medical related TV programmes and advertising, Xinhua reported.The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) recently issued a circular stating that such programmes could only be produced by TV station personnel. Programmes made by private companies would not be allowed on air, the circular said.The authority also banned advertisements during such programmes. Experts on medical or health programmes must have relevant qualifications issued by health authorities.It has also further tightened control on TV advertisements for drugs, medical equipment, cosmetics, and beauty products, limiting the broadcasting time of a single ad to no more than one minute.The administration also urged TV producers to invite qualified guests with relevant licenses and certification onto their programmes.