The SARFT has also approved cartoon channels on Beijing, Shanghai and Hunan TV stations since 2004 and over 30 kids' stations.

国家广播电影电视总局在2004年起批准在北京、上海和湖南电视台设立卡通频道和超过30个儿童频道。

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In its statement, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television known as Sarft cited a desire to limit "excessive entertainment" and "low taste.

国家广播电影电视总局发表的声明说，这是因为它要“防止过度娱乐化”和“低俗”倾向。

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Prior to distribution in Chinese theaters, all screenplays in China must be approved by SARFT.

FORBES: China's Film Industry

The original statement couldn't be found Tuesday on the Sarft website and a list of the canceled shows was unavailable.

WSJ: China Broadcasters Winnow Out Some Television Shows

It quoted a Sarft official as saying that the move was in response to repeated calls by the authorities for people to practise thrift and shun extravagance and waste.

BBC: China bans luxury gift adverts in austerity push