Mickey Mouse also hit by primetime ban
China has decided to ban foreign cartoons from primetime TV slots
in an attempt to protect its indigenous animation industry, the BBC
reports.
From 1 September, imports such as The Simpsons and Mickey Mouse
will not be aired between 5pm and 8pm, a proscription which carries
the added benefit of reducing local kids' exposure to the "effects
of foreign culture".
The powers that be have already decided to clamp down on programmes
using a mixture of animation and live action, which could hit the
Teletubbies hard, the BBC notes.
The latest decision forms part of an ongoing battle to compete with
extra-Chinese cartoons, notably those from Japan. In 2000, the
Japanese invasion prompted an edict ordering broadcasters to "limit
the use of foreign cartoons". Two years ago, the authorities
further demanded that 60 per cent of animations shown at peak time
had to be home-grown.
The problem for China's own cartoon industry is, as the Beeb
explains, that it has yet to create noteworthy characters such as
the infernal Disney mouse or Homer Simpson. Instead, it focuses on
traditional product such as Journey to the West, following the
adventures of the Monkey King.
Some Chinese commentators are, furthermore, sceptical that a ban
will do anything to improve matters. The Southern Metropolis News
offered: "This is a worrying, shortsighted policy and will not
solve the fundamental problems in China's cartoon industry. The
viewing masses, whether adults or children, will have no choice but
to passively support Chinese products."
The Chinese authorities should also note that moving the
Teletubbies to a post-watershed slot may do little to reduce the
"effects of foreign culture". Younger readers may recall that UK
clubbers - crazed on Ecstasy, and Vodka and Red Bull - developed a
penchant for late-night Laa-Laa worship sessions which at one
point, according to The Daily Mail, threatened the very fabric of
UK society.
Sorry if it doesnt quite belong to IT forum...'cept the animation
part. 
