China Getting Rid Of China Idol

China has suddenly cracked down on American Idol-type talent shows, which are even more popular in China then they are in the rest of the world.

Chinese television production companies had planned to roll out even more of the viewer decided popularity programs, but their plans have been put to a screeching halt because of government concerns over the programs.

On Saturday, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued a series of rules that would bar such shows from being broadcast between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and would prohibit voting via the Internet, telephone or text messaging.

It seems that when people all get together and vote for one goal or one common purpose, or get to decide who they prefer, the government sees it as, in a small way, education in democratic procedures."

The new rules don't just stop with time slot restrictions. The new rules also affect the content of the shows. As reported by the state news agency Xinhua, the rules require that Chinese networks "select qualified competitors who show characteristics such as perseverance, maturity, confidence, and health." They also warn judges against making "inflammatory or sensational remarks" about the contestants.

So basically this is going to turn into one big televised Communist party meeting with a bunch of party hack's kids in Mao jackets with the big winner judged by who can kiss the most amount of ass and audience applause. The government also stated there should never just be one winner and that all contestants contribute equally to the success of the show and therefore all should be declared winners. It called upon all people to work together and achieve harmony and that China would be the big winner.