In Other (State-Run) Media News...

(CBS/AP)

From now on, local broadcasters must restrict their coverage of overseas events to reports generated by state-run China Central Television and China Radio International.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, in a notice on its Web site, warned news broadcasters to "strengthen their political sensitivity" and avoid using footage taken from international satellite services, the South China Morning Post reported Thursday.

"Recently, some overseas news services and media have used various methods to sell international news material to domestic stations, and the reports have a clear political intention," the administration said.

The media watchdog said the rule was designed to "ensure a healthy and orderly development of international TV news reporting and maintain a correct propaganda direction."

Many local stations, especially those in large cities, have started to use footage and news reports supplied by foreign news services as competition for news demands more timely and diverse reporting angles.

In March, a Chinese version of Rolling Stone magazine stopped production after only one issue because the government invalidated the approved partnership between local producers and the U.S.-based music magazine.

In February, the government banned cartoon programming that blends animation with live-action actors, purportedly to protect a burgeoning local animation industry and curb foreign influences on young Chinese viewers.

In August 2005, China barred new foreign television channels, promised a new set of content guidelines for foreign channels already existing in the country and said it would not allow the import of new newspapers and magazines, electronic publications and audiovisual products.