China curbs TV dating reality show, terms it 'vulgar', 'materialistic'

Washington, July 19 (ANI): China has curbed the most watched reality television dating program in the country "If You Are the One," produced by Jiangsu TV calling it 'vulgar' for openly discussing sexual maters and projecting 'materialism'.

According to the New York Times, its critics have called the show 'a frightening window into the degradation of social values'.

"In this situation, if we don't correct it, it will have a negative influence on all of society," Zhu Hong, a spokesman of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, said.

The reality show hypes materialistic aspects of life where female contestants prefer BMW than bicycle, when being asked out for a date.

"I'd rather sit and cry in the back of a BMW," Ma Nuo, a 22-year-old female contestant said.

When another women wished to shake her hand with the contestant, she refused her saying that "Only my boyfriend gets to hold my hand. Everyone else, 200,000 renminbi per shake (29,475 dollar)," she added.

The report states that in May 2009, the central government propaganda officials issued a directive calling the shows "vulgar" and faulting them for promoting materialism, openly discussing sexual matters and "making up false stories, thus hurting the credibility of the media."

The programme has registered a high Television Rating Points (TRP) as viewers are glued to their seats to watch the off-screen scandals as well the on-screen romance shown in it.

The report also states that among another reality show that has been cancelled earlier by the authorities is Zhejiang TV's "Run Toward Love," which apparently glorified material wealth and sex. (ANI)