TV hosts test-takers doubled amid guest host ban

BEIJING - The number of people sitting the 2015 qualification exam for broadcasters and TV hosts more than doubled from the previous year as China has tightened the ban on hosts without a certificate.

A total of 13,311 people sat the test on Sunday, compared with 5,908 in 2014. Some well-known hosts also took Sunday's test, according to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

The soaring number of examinees was believed to be resulted from a circular the administration issued in June. The circular banned guest hosts in any TV shows, including news, commentary and interview panels, reiterating that all TV hosts must have vocational qualifications.

Chinese TV stations often hire famous actors, actresses and celebrities as guest hosts, especially for popular reality shows, but the administration deemed it might result in improper remarks or mistakes during live broadcasting.

The circular said the roles of guests and hosts in broadcasting and TV programs should be clear-cut and TV stations must censor the remarks of both guests and hosts before airing.

The administration said, after the test, it would reinforce inspections on the implementation of the circular to ensure that hosts are working with professional certificates.