Pretty tough ban on idol shows

While "idol-making" programs such as King Maker are popular in Hong Kong and have churned out the successful boy band Mirror, they are now banned on the other side of the border.

China's National Radio and Television Administration said in a notice that it will strengthen regulation over cultural programs and crack down on what it deems "unhealthy" content.

Television stations have been instructed not to broadcast "idol-making" programs, in which youngsters grow and compete against each other as they try to forge a show business career.

Voting for idols on such programs has also been banned as well as come-ons for fans to spend money to vote.

Beijing pulled the plug on variety programs in which idols bring along their children - like the popular Where Are We Going? Dad, featuring celebrities that include Hong Kong actor Jordan Chan Siu-chun.

The notice said "deformed" tastes - such as "effeminate" aesthetics - will end and entertainment involving "vulgar" internet celebrities, scandals and flaunting of wealth will be rejected.

Beijing has been putting pressure on what it describes as a "chaotic" celebrity fan culture and targeting domestic celebrities after a number of controversies.

These include the case of hip-hop star Kris Wu Yifan, who was arrested and detained for alleged rape but whose fans threatened to rescue him from jail.