SHANGHAI -- China has tightened its grip on the media ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on Oct. 1, against a backdrop of regional tensions.
The government's radio and television watchdog has put a lid on TV programs deemed "too entertaining," starting Aug 1, to give priority to a "100-day broadcast" of patriotic programming, according to a statement released July 29. Historical dramas and romantic movies featuring popular stars have been banned from more than 100 channels.
