(xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-17 10:55

China's broadcasting watchdog has banned a provincial TV talent show named "The First Heartthrob" due to vulgar content.

"The First Heartthrob" caters to "the low-grade interests" and misplays in many parts, including judges' behaviors, songs' contents and engineering, seriously damaging the image of television media and inducing social blights, said the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

Staff members with the local administration and the TV station didn't take effective measures to cope with the chaotic situations during the show, lacking social responsibility and professional skills, said the administration.

The Chongqing TV Station, which aired this program, will definitely follow the administration's order, said He Wei, vice president of the station.

The station will hold a meeting to discuss the penalties on related persons and future improvement for the show according to the regulations on TV entertainment programs and the result will be reported to the administration next week, said He.

On air since last year, "The First Heartthrob" has attracted some 100,000 contestants all over the country and topped the rating among the kind at one time.

Earlier this year the SARFT issued a list of rules to uphold high moral standards on several popular TV talent contests, warning that those stations that failed to monitor the quality of programs would face severe penalties.

At a conference in November last year, SARFT deputy director Zhang Haitao defined "vulgar programs" as those with contents depicting violence, pornography, crime and horror.

Some China's provincial TV channels have engaged in talent shows due to fierce competition with Chinese versions of "American Idol" for young viewers well received, while televised galas featuring traditional performances by established artists have become less popular.