China bans sexually suggestive TV, radio ads.

BEIJING, Sept. 26 Kyodo

China has banned sexually-suggestive TV and radio advertisements, state-run media reported Wednesday, in the latest in a series of restrictions on what people can watch and listen to be imposed by the country's broadcasting watchdog.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said the ban covers adverts featuring suggestive language or behavior, or those showing scantily-clad women.

''Sexually suggestive ads and bad ads not only mislead consumers and harm public health, but are socially corrupting and morally depraving, and directly discredit the radio and TV industry,'' the government watchdog said in a statement.

Stations are also banned from showing commercials for sex toys, breast enlargement treatments, drugs to treat sexually-transmitted diseases, and women's underwear, the China Daily reported.

The broadcasting watchdog has in recent months banned several forms of programming it considers vulgar or pornographic, including several TV talent shows and radio phone-ins as well as all documentaries on cosmetic surgery and sex-change operations.

The watchdog issued a statement in April calling on broadcasters not to pursue ratings but rather concentrate on providing ''rich and noble programming for the masses.''

''They should rely on quality and innovative programming and outstanding ideological, artistic and attractive works to draw viewers. They should not rely on vulgarity to cater to a minority's low-grade interests,'' the statement was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua News Agency.

China's media are tightly controlled and all Chinese-made TV series have to be vetted by the publicity department of the Communist Party's central committee and the government broadcasting watchdog before they can be shown.

Much of state TV output consists of news, historical dramas and light entertainment galas.

A Chinese TV drama producer, who asked not to be named, told Kyodo News that the restrictions often led to bland programming.

''Productions companies will only make programs they know will be acceptable to the authorities and which will be broadcast. There is no point taking risks,'' she said.