The General Office of the National Radio and Television Administration ("NRTA") has recently issued the Circular on Ceasing Airing Illegal Fundraising Advertisements for Films and TV Series Projects (the "Circular").
The Circular states that some agencies have been found recently to carry out illegal fundraising activities among the general public by means of internet, TV programs and otherwise, in the name of investments in films and TV series projects, which seriously impairs economic and financial order and social stability. Therefore, the Circular requires that immediately from the date this Circular is released, all radio and television broadcasters and online audio-visual program service agencies shall take immediate actions to stop airing advertisements intended for publicizing illegal fundraising activities under the guise of investments in films and TV series projects, take this opportunity to conduct a comprehensive survey of advertisements that are currently or will be on air, and call a halt, without exception, to those advertisements involving similar problems. In addition, the Circular expressly states that all levels of radio and television authorities shall make earnest efforts to fulfill their duties within the areas under their respective jurisdiction, strengthen routine supervision, and seriously investigate and punish those agencies that continue to air illegal fundraising advertisements for films and TV series projects after this Circular has been issued, in accordance with provisions and requirements of relevant laws and regulations.