State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Implementation of the Market Entry System for the Sectors of Radio and Television Programme Production and Distribution Implementing Rules (Trial Implementation)

Issued: December 17 2001

Main contents: A radio and television programme production institution must obtain a Radio and Television Programme Production and Operations Permit from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) or a provincial department of SARFT. This permit does not cover production of television dramas (Section One). Except with special approval, foreign entities and individuals are generally not permitted to establish wholly-owned or joint venture radio and television programme production organizations in the PRC (Section Two). Establishment of television drama production entities and production of television dramas are subject to SARFT approval (Paragraph 4). International, nationwide and inter-provincial transactions of radio and television programmes shall be submitted to SARFT for approval (Section Six). Subject to SARFT approval, film and television programme production entities may cooperate (including hiring foreign personnel and using foreign technology and funds) with foreign entities on production of radio and television programmes (Section Eight).
Related legislation: Intensifying the Reform of News Publication, Radio, Television and Film Industries Several Opinions, 2001; Administration of the Production and Operations Organizations of Television and Film Tentative Provisions and Administration of Television Dramas Provisions