China bans vulgar ads in print media -report

BEIJING, Oct 24 (Reuters) China will ban print media advertisements for treatments of sexually transmitted diseases, abortions and potency drugs, domestic media today reported.

Commercials deemed to be ''false and vulgar'' will be prohibited in newspapers and magazines from November 1, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing a notice issued jointly by the General Administration of Press and Publications and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce.

''Some newspapers published some illicit advertisements containing false content and with bad taste, which seriously affected the credibility of news media,'' the Beijing News quoted the notice as saying.

The move follows a ban in August on television and radio commercials for medical products, weight loss and breast enhancements that was aimed at cracking down on false advertising.

The new notice also requires newspapers to ensure the veracity and credibility of the advertisements they publish, the newspaper said.

Commercials that promote male potency and breast enlargements and unproven medical treatments are common in Chinese newspapers, and high prices companies pay the media to carry their advertising had made it difficult to enforce curbs.

Earlier this month, local media reported that Beijing had banned advertisements that appear on public bus TV monitors during rush hour, promoting the treatment of anal and intestinal ailments. The reports said officials were wary of spoiling commuters' breakfasts.

REUTERS SY ND1412