China blacks out Bugs Bunny, other foreign cartoons: state press

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Chinese children will be seeing less of Scooby Doo, the Flintstones and Bugs Bunny with authorities set to extend a ban on foreign cartoons on prime time television, state press reported Wednesday.

From May 1, no foreign-made cartoons will be allowed to be broadcast during the prime after-school viewing period from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Xinhua news agency said, citing the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

The move extends a ban, introduced in September last year, which currently lasts until 8:00 pm.

The cartoon black-out is an effort to protect the local cartoon industry, the administration said.

The ban will "enhance the (the administration's) management over cartoon programmes and will create a favourable environment...