Translated Excerpts from the 2018 "Program for Deepening Reforms of Party and State Institutions"

 On March 21, 2018, the official website of the government of the People's Republic of China published the text of the "Program for Deepening Reforms of Party and State Institutions" (深化党和国家机构改革方案). Articles 11, 35, and 36 of the Program are translated below.

(11) News and publishing work shall be centralized under the Central Propaganda Department. In order to strengthen the Party's concentrated and centralized leadership over news and public opinion work, strengthen the management of publishing activities, and develop and prosper the socialist publishing industry with Chinese characteristics, the news and publishing management responsibilities of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television are assigned to the Central Propaganda Department. When dealing with outsiders the Central Propaganda Department will identify itself as the State Press and Publication Administration (National Copyright Administration).

After the adjustment, the main responsibilities of the Central Propaganda Department in terms of press and publication management are to implement the Party's propaganda work guidelines, formulate management policies for the press and publication industry and supervise their implementation, manage press and publication administrative affairs, make overall plans, guide and coordinate press and publication undertakings, industrial development, supervise and manage the content and quality of publications, supervise and manage the printing industry, manage copyrights, manage publication imports, etc.

（十一）中央宣传部统一管理新闻出版工作。为加强党对新闻舆论工作的集中统一领导，加强对出版活动的管理，发展和繁荣中国特色社会主义出版事业，将国家新闻出版广电总局的新闻出版管理职责划入中央宣传部。中央宣传部对外加挂国家新闻出版署（国家版权局）牌子。

调整后，中央宣传部关于新闻出版管理方面的主要职责是，贯彻落实党的宣传工作方针，拟订新闻出版业的管理政策并督促落实，管理新闻出版行政事务，统筹规划和指导协调新闻出版事业、产业发展，监督管理出版物内容和质量，监督管理印刷业，管理著作权，管理出版物进口等。

(35) Establish the State Administration of Radio and Television. In order to strengthen the Party's centralized and unified leadership over news and public opinion work, strengthen the management of important propaganda positions, firmly grasp the leadership of ideological work, and give full play to the role of radio and television media as the Party's mouthpieces, establish the State Administration of Radio and Television on the basis of the radio and television management responsibilities of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, as an institution directly under the State Council.

Its main responsibilities are to implement the Party's propaganda principles and policies, formulate policies and measures for radio and television management and supervise their implementation, make overall plans, guide and coordinate the development of radio and television undertakings and industries, promote the reform of systems and mechanisms in the field of radio and television, supervise, manage, and screen the radio and television content and quality of online audio-visual programs, be responsible for the import, collection, and management of radio and television programs, and coordinate and promote the work of going global in the field of radio and television.

The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television is no longer retained.

（三十五）组建国家广播电视总局。为加强党对新闻舆论工作的集中统一领导，加强对重要宣传阵地的管理，牢牢掌握意识形态工作领导权，充分发挥广播电视媒体作为党的喉舌作用，在国家新闻出版广电总局广播电视管理职责的基础上组建国家广播电视总局，作为国务院直属机构。

主要职责是，贯彻党的宣传方针政策，拟订广播电视管理的政策措施并督促落实，统筹规划和指导协调广播电视事业、产业发展，推进广播电视领域的体制机制改革，监督管理、审查广播电视与网络视听节目内容和质量，负责广播电视节目的进口、收录和管理，协调推动广播电视领域走出去工作等。

不再保留国家新闻出版广电总局。

(36) Establish China Central Radio and Television Station. Adhering to the correct direction of public opinion, attaching great importance to the construction and innovation of communication methods, and improving the dissemination, guidance, influence, and credibility of news and public opinion are important starting points for firmly grasping the leadership of ideological work. In order to strengthen the Party's centralized construction and management of important public opinion positions, enhance the overall strength and competitiveness of radio and television media, promote the integrated development of radio and television media and emerging media, and accelerate the construction of international communication capabilities, CCTV (China Global Television Station), the Central People's Radio Station, and China Radio International are integrated, and the China Central Radio and Television Station is established as a public institution directly under the State Council under the leadership of the Central Propaganda Department.

The main responsibilities are to publicize the Party's theory and line principles and policies, coordinate and organize major propaganda reports, organize radio and television creation and production, produce and broadcast high-quality radio and television products, guide social hot spots, strengthen and improve public opinion supervision, promote the development of multimedia integration, strengthen international Communication capacity building, tell Chinese stories, etc.

The establishment of China Central Television (China International Television Station), China Central People's Broadcasting Station, and China International Radio Station is revoked. The original call signs are retained internally, and the unified call sign externally shall be "Voice of China."

（三十六）组建中央广播电视总台。坚持正确舆论导向，高度重视传播手段建设和创新，提高新闻舆论传播力、引导力、影响力、公信力，是牢牢掌握意识形态工作领导权的重要抓手。为加强党对重要舆论阵地的集中建设和管理，增强广播电视媒体整体实力和竞争力，推动广播电视媒体、新兴媒体融合发展，加快国际传播能力建设，整合中央电视台（中国国际电视台）、中央人民广播电台、中国国际广播电台，组建中央广播电视总台，作为国务院直属事业单位，归口中央宣传部领导。

主要职责是，宣传党的理论和路线方针政策，统筹组织重大宣传报道，组织广播电视创作生产，制作和播出广播电视精品，引导社会热点，加强和改进舆论监督，推动多媒体融合发展，加强国际传播能力建设，讲好中国故事等。

撤销中央电视台（中国国际电视台）、中央人民广播电台、中国国际广播电台建制。对内保留原呼号，对外统一呼号为“中国之声”。

State Media Publishes List of Banned Video Apps

On October 15, 2015, several state sponsored news outlets - such as China.com.cn and China National Radio - published an article entitled “GAPPRFT Announces 81 Illegal Video Apps, Fengyun Broadcasting Tops the List” (广电总局公布81个非法视频软件 风云直播上榜). The reports included an image that was posted on Sina Weibo by “Television Eyes” (电视眼 - http://weibo.com/tvread).

The Sina Weibo post was subsequently deleted, but the image showed a table entitled “List of Illegal Video Clients (Mobile Clients)” (非法视频类客户端软件名单) listing 81 apps listed along with app stores on which they were available and a column titled: “suspected illegal and harmful content broadcasted” (涉嫌传播的违规有害内容).

Five of the video apps were cited for “Providing the Hong Kong ‘SunTv Satellite’ politically harmful documentary ‘National Martyr’ video program” (提供香港“阳光卫视”政治有害纪律片“国殇”音频节目).

Some other examples of banned apps and the legal justification:

• Fengyun: Providing Hong Kong Phoenix News, Vietnam-BPTV1 and other overseas video platform live broadcasting services.
• Kaixun: Providing UK BBC, Hong Kong Phoenix News live broadcasts.
• Xigua Video: Providing Hong Kong HKS Channel live broadcast service.
• Mobile TV Broadcasting: Providing Taiwan Hongguan Satellite Television live broadcast service.
• 91 Watch TV: Providing Japan CGNTV live broadcasts.
• Fast Hand Downloads: Providing Japan NHK documentary “Century Factory, Changing China.”
• GoGo TV: Providing United States “Voice of America” and other overseas television live broadcast programs.
• Muslim TV: Providing “Islam Channel” and other overseas television live broadcast programs.

Original Sina Weibo Post: http://weibo.com/1806201972/CF1hhAKAZ

Translation: Measures on the Administration of Information Acquired by News Professionals in the Course of Business

GAPPRFT No. 75[2014]

Notice Regarding Promulgation of the "Measures on the Administration of Information Acquired by News Professionals in the Course of Business"

The press and publication offices of each province (district, municipal), the press and publication office of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Brigade, and  the periodical publications administration offices of each agency, democratic party, and civic organization of the Communist Party and the central government, and major media outlets of the Communist Party:

In recent years, we have occasionally observed instances of news professionals misusing information they acquired in the course of business. Some have violated state secrets laws and regulations and willfully disseminated and transmitted information that implicated secrets. Some have published information they acquired through their professional activities on the Internet without authorization. Some have published reports through other domestic and and overseas media outlets that their own media outlets would not publish. Others have used their media outlets' resources to obtain improper benefits. This has interfered with the normal order of news publishing, and harm the interests of the Party and the government. In order to thoroughly strengthen the administration of information news professionals acquire in the course of business, in accordance with the Law on the Protection of State Secrets and other relevant laws and regulations, this office has formulated the "Measures on the Administration of Information Acquired by News Professionals in the Course of Business" which are hereby promulgated and which you are requested to carry out and implement.

State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television
June 30, 2014

Article 1. In order to strengthen the administration of information news professionals acquire in the course of business and regulate news broadcasting order, these Measures are hereby formulated in accordance with the "Law on the Protection of State Secrets," "Labor Contract Law," "Copyright Law," and other relevant laws and regulations.

Article 2. As used in these Measures, "the administration of information news professionals acquire in the course of business" shall refer to all types of information, source material, and news products obtained by any journalist, editor, announcer, host or other news gathering and compiling employees as well as all other news professionals engaged in the provision of technical and other support activities through interviews, participation in meetings, or documents overheard,  transmitted, or read in the course of business activities, including state secrets, commercial secrets, and information that has not been publicly disclosed.

Article 3. News outlets shall adhere to the principles of obeying the law, pursuing that which is beneficial and avoiding that which is harmful, managing and utilizing well, and administrating and overseeing to the extent possible. They shall strengthen their administration of information acquired in the course of business, and ensure that information acquired in the course of business shall be utilized in a scientific, rational, regulated, and orderly manner.

Article 4. News outlets shall establish comprehensive systems for safeguarding  classified information, and shall clearly designate the scope of individuals and secrecy period for news professionals who may come into contact with state secret information in the course of their professional activities. They shall establish  systems for the receiving, transmitting, utilizing, copying, storing and destroying state secret materials.

News professionals shall, upon assuming their position, undergo education and training in confidentiality and sign a document whereby they commit to safeguard classified information.

Article 5. News outlets shall, in accordance with relevant provisions of the "Labor Contract Law," enter into confidentiality agreements for information acquired through professional activities with all news professionals with regards to commercial secrets, information that has not yet been made public, business-related works and all other confidential matters relating to intellectual property, and shall establish unified management systems for information acquired through business  activities.

Confidentiality agreements must specify duties and consequences of breach with respect to rights and utilization of information acquired by news professionals  through business activities, including post-resignation and post-retirement.

News professionals may not, in violation the provisions of their confidentiality agreements, provide information obtained in the course of their business activities to overseas media outlets, or take on a position with an overseas media outlet such  as a "stringer," "correspondent," "contributor," or columnist.

Article 6. New professionals may not use information obtained in the course of business to obtain inappropriate benefits.

Article 7. Any news professional who establishes a blog, micro-blog, weixin, etc. in their professional capacity must first register with and obtain the approval of their employer, which shall have the responsibility to maintain day-to-day oversight.

News professionals may not, in violation of their confidentiality agreement, disclose or disseminate information obtained in the course of business either through any channels such as public or private blogs, micro-blogs, or wexin, or in any venues such as forums or lectures.

Article 8. Upon resignation or retirement all news professionals shall surrender all materials and documents that implicate secrets, and shall fulfill their duty to safeguard secrets during the relevant time frame in accordance with laws, regulations, and their confidentiality agreement.

Article 9. State Secret Security Commitment Letters and Business Information Confidentiality Agreements shall be required documentation for the hiring and employment all news professionals, and no one may be hired or employed without executing them.

Article 10. When applying for or revising their journalist credentials, journalists and editors must, in accordance with the provisions of the "Measures on the Administration of Journalist Credentials," submit relevant declaratory materials, which materials shall include their State Secret Security Commitment Letter and Business Information Confidentiality Agreement, without which no journalist credentials shall be approved and issued.

Article 11. News outlets shall, when conducting annual reviews of journalist credentials, submit a report to the press, publication, radio, film and television agency on the implementation status of their news professionals' execution of  State Secret Security Commitment Letters and Business Information Confidentiality Agreements.

Article 12. If a news professional violates the provisions of their State Secret Security Commitment Letter or Business Information Confidentiality Agreement and utilizes information obtained in the course of business without authorization, their news outlet shall pursue legal recourse for breach of contract, as well as administrative sanctions and disciplinary measures, as well as civil liability.

Article 13. The government agencies that oversee and sponsor news outlets shall supervise the establishment of comprehensive secrecy commitment and confidentiality agreement systems and the fulfillment of administrative duties for the news outlets under their jurisdiction. Press, publication, radio, film and television administration agencies shall strengthen the day-to-day oversight and supervision of the administration of information acquired in the course of business by the news outlets in their respective administrative districts.

Article 14. If a news professional publishes information obtained in the course of business without authorization resulting in severe consequences, the press, publication, radio, film and television administration agency shall revoke their journalist credentials in accordance with the law, make a record of their unprofessional actions, and impose on them a professional ban or restriction.

Article 15. Press, publication, radio, film and television administration agencies shall impose sanctions upon any news outlet that fails to correctly manage information acquired by news professionals in the course of business, and where severe problems arise such as leaking and disclosure of secrets, blackmail and extortion, or infringements on rights, the press, publication, radio, film and television administration agency shall investigate and order rectification in accordance with the law. Those who refuse or fail to rectify shall not be allowed to pass annual inspection. Where circumstances are severe the agency shall revoke the outlets  license and pursue those individuals at the news outlet who bear direct responsibility.

Article 16. News professionals who violate regulations and utilize information obtained in the course of business and leak or disclose secrets shall be subject to professional sanctions, and those who are suspected of commiting crimes shall be handed over to law enforcement agencies for punishment.

Article 17. These Measures shall become effective on the date of promulgation.

http://press.gapp.gov.cn/reporter/contents/245/211789.html

新广出发〔2014〕75号
关于印发《新闻从业人员职务行为信息管理办法》的通知

各省（区、市）新闻出版广电局，新疆生产建设兵团新闻出版局，中央和国家机关各部委、各民主党派、各人民团体报刊主管部门，中央主要新闻单位：
   
近年来，新闻从业人员滥用职务行为信息的现象时有出现。有的违反保密法规随意散布、传播涉密信息，有的擅自将职务活动中知悉的信息通过网络平台发布，有的将本新闻单位未播发的报道交由其他境内外媒体刊播，有的利用新闻单位资源谋取不正当利益，干扰了正常的新闻传播秩序，损害了党和国家利益。为切实加强新闻从业人员职务行为信息的管理，根据《保守国家秘密法》等有关法律法规，总局制定了《新闻从业人员职务行为信息管理办法》，现予以印发，请认真贯彻执行。

国家新闻出版广电总局
2014年6月30日

新闻从业人员职务行为信息管理办法


第一条 为加强新闻从业人员职务行为信息的管理，规范新闻传播秩序，根据《保守国家秘密法》、《劳动合同法》、《著作权法》等有关法律法规，制定本办法。

第二条 本办法所称新闻从业人员职务行为信息，是指新闻单位的记者、编辑、播音员、主持人等新闻采编人员及提供技术支持等辅助活动的其他新闻从业人员，在从事采访、参加会议、听取传达、阅读文件等职务活动中，获取的各类信息、素材以及所采制的新闻作品，其中包含国家秘密、商业秘密、未公开披露的信息等。

第三条 新闻单位要坚持依法依规、趋利避害、善管善用、可管可控的原则，加强职务行为信息管理，确保新闻从业人员职务行为信息使用科学合理、规范有序。

第四条 新闻单位应健全保密制度，对新闻从业人员在职务行为中接触的国家秘密信息，应明确知悉范围和保密期限，健全国家秘密载体的收发、传递、使用、复制、保存和销毁制度，禁止非法复制、记录、存储国家秘密，禁止在任何媒体以任何形式传递国家秘密，禁止在私人交往和通信中涉及国家秘密。

新闻从业人员上岗应当经过保密教育培训，并签订保密承诺书。

第五条 新闻单位应按照《劳动合同法》的有关规定，与新闻从业人员就职务行为信息中的商业秘密、未公开披露的信息、职务作品等与知识产权相关的保密事项，签订职务行为信息保密协议，建立职务行为信息统一管理制度。

保密协议须分类明确新闻从业人员职务行为信息的权利归属、使用规范、离岗离职后的义务和违约责任。

新闻从业人员不得违反保密协议的约定，向其他境内外媒体、网站提供职务行为信息，或者担任境外媒体的“特约记者”、“特约通讯员”、“特约撰稿人”或专栏作者等。

第六条 新闻从业人员不得利用职务行为信息谋取不正当利益。

第七条 新闻从业人员以职务身份开设博客、微博、微信等，须经所在新闻单位批准备案，所在单位负有日常监管职责。

新闻从业人员不得违反保密协议的约定，通过博客、微博、微信公众账号或个人账号等任何渠道，以及论坛、讲座等任何场所，透露、发布职务行为信息。

第八条 新闻从业人员离岗离职要交回所有涉密材料、文件，在法律规定或协议约定的保密期限内履行保密义务。

第九条 新闻单位须将签署保密承诺书和职务行为信息保密协议，作为新闻从业人员劳动聘用和职务任用的必要条件，未签订的不得聘用和任用。

第十条 新闻采编人员申领、换领新闻记者证，须按照《新闻记者证管理办法》的规定提交有关申报材料，申报材料中未包含保密承诺书和职务行为信息保密协议的，不予核发新闻记者证。

第十一条 新闻单位应在参加新闻记者证年度核验时，向新闻出版广电行政部门报告新闻从业人员保密承诺书和保密协议签订、执行情况。

第十二条 新闻从业人员违反保密承诺和保密协议、擅自使用职务行为信息的，新闻单位应依照合同追究违约责任，视情节作出行政处理或纪律处分，并追究其民事责任。

第十三条 新闻单位的主管主办单位应督促所属新闻单位健全保密承诺和保密协议制度，履行管理责任；新闻出版广电行政部门应加强本行政区域内新闻单位职务行为信息管理情况的日常监督检查。

第十四条 新闻从业人员擅自发布职务行为信息造成严重后果的，由新闻出版广电行政部门依法吊销新闻记者证，列入不良从业行为记录，做出禁业或限业处理。

第十五条 新闻单位对新闻从业人员职务行为信息管理混乱，造成失密泄密、敲诈勒索、侵权等严重问题的，由新闻出版广电行政部门等依法查处，责令整改，对拒不改正或整改不到位的不予通过年度核验，情节严重的撤销许可证，并依法追究新闻单位负责人和直接责任人的责任。

第十六条 新闻从业人员违反规定使用职务行为信息造成失密泄密的，依法追究相关人员责任，涉嫌违法犯罪的移送司法机关处理。

第十七条 本办法自发布之日起施行。

China Launches Porn Crackdown (Again), Sina Gets Called Out (Again), Apologizes (Again), Loses Licenses (That's A First)

On April 21, 2014, the state sponsored Global Times published an article entitled “Chinese Websites Vow No Porn.” Some excerpts:

Major Chinese websites have vowed not to attempt to exploit pornographic content to boost their click rates, amid a national crackdown on online pornography.

The websites, including 15 affiliated to state news organizations, and six commercial websites such as sina.com, qq.com and baidu.com pledged support for the crackdown at a conference held by the State Internet Information Office (SIIO) on Monday.

On April 24, Xinhua published an article entitled “China's Sina.com Hit by Ban After Porn Offense.” Some excerpt:

China's Internet giant Sina.com will be stripped of its online publication license, a penalty that might partially ban its operations, after articles and videos on the site fell prey to the country's high-profile anti-porn movement.

According to a statement released on Thursday by the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications, 20 articles and four videos posted on Sina.com were confirmed to have contained lewd and pornographic content following "a huge amount" of public tip-offs.

As of result, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television decided to revoke the company's two crucial licenses on Internet publication and audio and video dissemination and impose "a large number of fines."

The same day, Sina published the following apology:

Statement of Apology

Today, the media has revealed a problem in that Sina's Book Channel Original Novels linked to, and some content on Sina's Video Channel blog included, content that was suspected of being obscene and pornographic. We feel deeply distressed about this, and to the Internet users and society generally we express our most sincere apologies.

Notwithstanding our ongoing efforts, nevertheless there has indeed been some content on Sina that was not blocked, as well as negligent oversight. As one of China's most influential web sites, we have not been able to fulfill our responsibility to protect our users, and for this we are deeply regretful and ashamed.

As regards the severe sanctions which the relevant organs have imposed on us, we will strictly carry them out and absolutely will not try to shift responsibility.

After the problem was exposed, our company immediately set up a dedicated working group and ordered relevant departments and relevant teams to carry out a thorough investigation and rectify and reform: First, those responsible will be dealt with severely, and will voluntarily admit their errors to the relevant organs, and undertake profound self-criticism. Second, the reasons for this will be uncovered and lessons will be learned, and a self-examination and self-rectification will be undertaken of all content on the web site. Third, a reform and rectification will be undertaken, and effective mechanisms for examination will be established in order to ensure this kind of think will not happen again.

We are currently engaged in close communication and coordination with the relevant organs in order to allow our reform and rectification work to be more focused, and at the same time reduce losses to relevant business operations as much as possible. Finally, as always, we appeal to Internet users to provide us with oversight and criticism. At the same time, we are also willing, together with all other web sites, to resolutely act in concert and support the nation's "Cleaning the Web 2014" campaign, carry forward the main theme, arouse positive energy, and work together to build a cool and bright Internet space.

Sina

May 24, 2014

致歉声明

今天，媒体曝光了新浪读书频道原创小说连载、新浪视频频道播客栏目部分内容存在涉嫌传播淫秽色情信息的问题。对此，我们深感痛心，特向广大网友和社会各界致以最诚挚的道歉。

虽然我们一直在努力，但是新浪网的确存在着对部分内容把关不严、疏于监控的现象。作为国内最有影响力的网站之一，我们未能够做到守土有责，对此我们倍感遗憾和惭愧。

对于网络主管部门给予我们的严厉处罚，我们将认真执行，决不推诿。

问题曝光后，公司在第一时间成立专项整改小组，要求各相关部门和相关环节进行彻查整改：一是对相关责任人予以严肃处理，主动向主管部门坦承错误，并做出深刻检讨；二是查找原因，举一反三，对全网站内容进行自查自纠；三是进行整改，建立核查长效机制，确保此类事件不再发生。

同时，我们正与主管部门进行密切的沟通和配合，以使我们的整改工作更有针对性，同时使相关业务的损失降到最低。 最后，呼吁广大网友一如既往地对我们进行监督和批评。同时，我们也愿意和所有网站一道，坚决响应和支持国家“扫黄打非，净网2014”行动，弘扬主旋律，激发正能量，共同建设一个清朗的网络空间 。

新浪网

2014年4月24日

This is not the first time Sina has apologized for pornographic content on its web site. On January 5, 2009, the State Council Information Office, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology,  Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Culture, State Administration for Industry and Commerce, State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, and General Administration of Press and Publication held a teleconference to announce that their agencies were launching a “Campaign to Rectify Internet Indecency.” The same day the SCIO's web site published an article entitled "Seven Agencies Launch Crackdown on Prurient Internet Trends" (七部委开展整治互联网低俗之风专项行动), which cited Cai Mingzhao as stating:

Some websites exploit gaps in policies and regulations and try to dodge responsibility, they use various means to disseminate content that is low brow and vulgar, even obscene, severely corrupting the online atmosphere. Online indecency is spreading unchecked, and is seriously harming the physical and mental health of a large number of young people, it is a disaster for numerous households, endangering posterity and directly harming the personal interests of the masses. All aspects of society are focused on this, and the reaction of the masses is strong, with many parents calling out to “save the children,” and strongly demanding the Party and the government to adopt resolute measures to resolve the problem. 

一些网站钻政策法规空子，采取打擦边球的办法，以多种形式发布格调低下、内容粗俗甚至低级下流信息，严重败坏网上风气。网上低俗之风泛滥，严重危害广大青少年身心健康，殃及千家万户，祸及子孙后代，直接危害人民群众的切身利益，社会各界十分关注，广大群众反映强烈，许多家长发出“救救孩子”的呼声，强烈要求党和政府采取坚决措施加以整治。

The same day, the China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Centre issued a list of 19 websites with “a large quantity of indecent content that violates social mores and harms the physical and mental health of the youth.” Topping the list were Google, Baidu, Sina, Sohu, Tencent, NetEase, Chinaren.com, and Zhongsou.com.

On January 6, 2009, Baidu, Google, NetEase (youdao.com), Sina, Sohu (sogou.com), and Tencent (soso.com) issued statements regarding their inclusion on the government’s list of websites with pornographic content. Here is Sina’s 2009 apology: http://news.xinhuanet.com/internet/2009-01/07/content_10615493.htm

On January 5, 2009, the SCIO and six other agencies launched a campaign dedicated to cleansing the web of vulgar content. With respect to our faults and the negative impact these faults may have had on Internet users, Sina feels deeply distressed and views this as very important. We have promptly launched a comprehensive cleanup, and are carrying out investigations, revisions, and closures of that content which has already been shown to have problems. We are strengthening content oversight procedures and requirements, and those who are responsible will be severely dealt with.
Sina would especially like to express its most sincere regrets to Internet users for the problem of indecent content on websites. We earnestly commit to you: From this day forward we will adopt effective measures to completely and thoroughly remove indecent and other harmful content, we will take the initiative against the winds of indecency, clean up the Internet environment, and work hard to build a healthy and civilized Internet culture. 

2009年1月5日，国新办等7部门发起了整治互联网低俗之风专项行动。新浪网因相册和博客栏目对新增低俗内容删除不及时被曝光批评。对于我们存在的问题和由此可能给网民带来的不良影响，新浪网深感痛心并高度重视，立即展开全方位清理，对已被点名或可能存在问题的栏目进行清查、整改和关闭，强化内容监控的工作流程和要求，并严肃处理了相关责任人。
对于网站存在低俗内容的问题，新浪网特向广大网友表示最诚挚的歉意，并郑重承诺：即日起采取一切有效措施，对低俗等有害信息进行完全彻底的清除，自觉抵制低俗之风，净化互联网环境，为打造健康、文明的网络文化而努力。

For more on the 2009 anti-porn campaign, see here: A Chronicle of China's State Run Media Attacks on Apple in 2013, With Some Historical Perspective.

Sina Weibo Censors Title of Science Fiction Video

This screenshot shows that on March 24, 2014, Sina Weibo was censoring searches for “Hong Kong Will Be Destroyed After 33 Years” (香港将于33年后毁灭).

“Hong Kong Will Be Destroyed After 33 Years” is the title of a short science fiction video, which can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YzCXjm2yOU.

This screenshot was taken on April 5, 2014, and shows that a search on Baidu Video for the title of the film returned no results.

Translation: Notification Regarding Strengthening the Management of the Online Activities of News Editorial Personnel

State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television
(2013) No. 110

The press and publication offices of each province, autonomous region, and municipality, the press and publication office of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Brigade, the press and publication office of the People's Liberation Army's General Political Propaganda Bureau, the periodical publications administration offices of each agency, democratic party, and civic organization of the Communist Party and the central government, and major media outlets of the Communist Party:

The Internet is an important channel for news editorial personnel to communicate with readers, obtain information, and increase broadcast effectiveness. In order to comprehensively bring into play the Internet's utility, promote the formation of healthy news order, you are hereby notified of the following in order to strengthen the management of online activities of news editorial personnel including their utilization of Internet information and launching personal weibos:

1. Firmly grasp the correct ideological orientation. News editorial personnel shall insist upon a Marxist view of the news, and shall insist upon encouraging unified stability and positive propaganda as their primary orientation. They shall actively utilize traditional media, news web sites, blogs, micro-blogs, and other media to disseminate mainstream information, guide social discourse, and take initiative to resist the infiltration and transmission of harmful information. They shall not use or report any Internet information that has not been verified through authoritative channels. They shall not transmit or re-post online gossip, rumors, or speculative information.

2. Further regulate news editorial activities. Strictly implement the "Opinion Regarding Further Regulating News Editorial Work" jointly issued by five agencies including the Central Propaganda Department. Strictly manage the editorial processes and screening workflows of news agencies. Avoid false reporting that results from focusing solely on pursuing one-sided sensationalism, distribution volume, and viewing rates. No news agencies may utilize overseas media, overseas web sites, or news information products without authorization.

3. Further strengthen management of news media web sites. News agencies must strengthen their management over news web site content review and verification and the online activities of news editorial personnel. They must strictly review and verify all information disseminated through news web sites in accordance with the standards and procedures for traditional media periodicals' news reports. It is forbidden to contract-out, hire-out, or license news editorial professional work for web sites or web channels. It is forbidden to allow anyone lacking journalist accreditation to conduct interviews or publish reports in the name of a web site or web channel. News web sites operated by news agencies may not publish information provided by news insiders, special reporters, civil organizations, or commercial organizations without verification.

4. Further strengthen the management of blogs and micro-blogs. Any news agency that establishes an official micro-blog must register with its sponsoring government agency, and designate a specific person with the authority to publish information, and delete harmful information in a timely manner. News editorial personnel who establish job-related micro-blogs must obtain permission from their work unit, and information published on a weibo may not violate laws, regulations, or provisions regulating the media. Information obtained through professional activities may not be disseminated without authorization.

5. Strengthen and improve supervision over Internet news public opinion. News agencies should be constantly strengthening and improving their supervision over public opinion. Achieve scientific supervision, supervision in accordance with law, constructive supervision, promote the universal implementation of State policies. Do a good job of achieving, safeguarding, and developing the rights that are most direct interest to the grass roots and the masses. News editorial personnel must not use public opinion supervision to coerce grass roots groups or individual to subscribe to their periodicals, take out advertisements, or provide support. News editorial personnel may not disseminate false information on the Internet, and may not publish on any domestic or overseas web site any news information obtained through their professional news gathering with their news agencies examination, verification, and approval.

All local news publishing executive agencies and all news media regulating and sponsoring agencies must endeavor to carry out their professional responsibilities with respect to management of their jurisdiction and their level, and strengthen their supervision over the local news channels and professional news activities of news editorial personnel in their local media, media subject to their jurisdiction, as well as the central government media bureaus, branches, and news web sites in their locale. They must determinedly halt and punish in accordance with the law any news editorial personnel who seek use the Internet as a platform through which to gain illegal benefits, and suspend or terminate their news editorial work as the circumstances dictate.

关于加强新闻采编人员网络活动管理的通知

国家新闻出版广电总局
〔2013〕 110 号

各省、 自治区、 直辖市新闻出版局, 新疆生产建设兵团新闻出版局, 解放军总政治部宣传部新闻出版局,中央和国家机关各部委、 各民主党派、 各人民团体报刊主管单位，中央主要新闻单位：

网络是媒体新闻采编人员联络读者、 获取信息、 拓展传播效应的重要渠道。为充分发挥网络的积极作用,推动形成健康的新闻秩序, 现就加强新闻采编人员使用网络信息、 开通个人微博等网络活动管理通知如下：

一、 牢牢把握正确舆论导向。新闻采编人员要坚持马克思主义新闻观,坚持团结稳定鼓劲、正面宣传为主的方针，积极利用传统媒体、新闻网站、博客、微博等载体传播主流信息，引导社会舆论，自觉抵制有害信息的渗透和传播，不引用、不报道未通过权威渠道核实的网络信息，不传播、不转载网上流言、传言或猜测性信息。

二、 进一步规范新闻采编行为。严格落实中央宣传部等五部门联合下发的《关于进一步规范新闻采编工作的意见》，严格新闻单位采编活动和编审流程的管理，防止为片面追求轰动效应、发行数量、收听收视率而造成失实报道。 未经批准, 各类新闻单位均不得擅自使用境外媒体、境外网站的新闻信息产品。

三、 进一步加强媒体新闻网站管理。新闻单位须加强新闻网站内容审核把关及新闻采编人员网络活动管理，要按照传统媒体刊发新闻报道的标准和流程，严格审核所属新闻网站发布的信息。禁止将网站及网站频道的新闻采编业务承包、出租或转让，禁止无新闻记者证人员以网站及网站频道名义采访或发稿。未经核实，新闻单位所办新闻网站不得擅自发布新闻线人、特约作者、民间组织、商业机构等提供的信息。

四、 进一步加强博客和微博管理。新闻单位设立官方微博，须向其主管单位备案，并指定专人发布权威信息，及时删除有害信息。新闻采编人员设立职务微博须经所在单位批准，发布微博信息不得违反法律法规及所在媒体的管理规定，未经批准不得发布通过职务活动获得的各种信息。

五、 加强和改进网络新闻舆论监督。 新闻单位要不断加强和改进舆论监督，做到科学监督、依法监督、建设性监督，推动国家的方针政策落到实处，实现好、维护好、发展好基层和人民群众的切身利益。新闻采编人员不得利用舆论监督要挟基层单位和个人订阅报刊、投放广告、提供赞助。新闻采编人员不得在网络上发布虚假信息，未经所在新闻机构审核同意不得将职务采访获得的新闻信息刊发在境内外网站上。

各地新闻出版行政部门和各新闻媒体主管主办单位要切实履行属地管理、分级管理的职责，强化对本地媒体、所辖媒体和中央媒体在地方记者站、分支机构、新闻网站地方频道新闻采编人员及新闻业务的监督。对新闻采编人员以网络为平台牟取非法利益等行为，要坚决制止，依法严肃查处，并视情节限期或终身禁止其从事新闻采编工作。

Film Regulator Promotes and Guides State-Sponsored Television Documentaries

On January 17, 2013, the state-sponsored China Daily published an article entitled "CCTV Releases Documentary on Tibetan Self-Immolation." The report stated:

National broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has released a documentary on self-immolation in the country's Tibetan-inhabited areas. The documentary debuted at 9:27 pm on Dec 23 on CCTV-4, an international channel mainly targeting overseas viewers in Chinese language. It also aired on CCTV's English channel, Spanish channel, French channel, Arabic channel and Russian channel on Monday.

On January 22, the China Daily published an article entitled "Govt-Sponsored Documentary Website Launched."  According to that report:

Jointly set up by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and the China Network Television, the site will cover policy releases, industrial trends, expert advice for documentary makers, project financing, academic research and other functions.

On February 23, the state-sponsored Global Times published an article entitled "SARFT to Approve Documentaries." Some excerpts:

The new policy, which comes into effect immediately, stipulates that all television documentaries for public broadcast, produced by television stations, commercial studios and social organizations, should submit a content summary, cast list and shooting plan to SARFT before filming starts.
SARFT will then review all the information and publish the approved list of documentaries to TV stations. According to the announcement, the purpose of the new policy is to avoid subjects overlapping and resources being wasted.

Here is a translation of an excerpt from SARFT's "Notice Regarding the Implementation of a Television Documentary Subject Matter Reporting System" (关于实行电视纪录片题材公告制度的通知):

Article 3. SARFT shall conduct an analysis of national television documentary subject matter information, and after communicating and coordinating with production companies, will formulate and publish a "National Television Documentary Subject Matter Catalog."
Article 4. The television documentaries produced by State-owned enterprises and their production companies listed in the "National Television Documentary Subject Matter Catalog" will have priority in participating in SARFT's review for promotion as outstanding State-produced films and annual outstanding state-produced documentaries and for support projects for their creative personnel.
三、国家广电总局对全国电视纪录片题材信息进行汇总分析，与制作机构沟通协调后，制定《全国电视纪录片题材目录》，向社会公告。
四、列入《全国电视纪录片题材目录》的国产电视纪录片及其制作机构，可优先参评国家广电总局推荐优秀国产纪录片和年度优秀国产纪录片及创作人才扶持项目。

URL: http://www.sarft.gov.cn/articles/2013/02/18/20130218111359760093.html

Translation: Film Regulator's Order to Promote Lei Feng Flops

On Thursday, March 7, 2013, the state-sponsored Global Times published a report entitled "Despite Orders Lei Feng Films Bomb." Some excerpts:

Films about the life of Lei Feng, a role model for selflessness in China, showed no box-office appeal on Tuesday, Lei Feng Day. 

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) said on Monday that all film companies and cinemas need to try their best to promote three recently released  movies featuring the iconic Lei Feng.
. . . .
The three films about Lei Feng's life, Youthful Days, The Sweet Smile, and Lei Feng in 1959, were screened on Monday and Tuesday, as part of the learning from Lei Feng activities.
Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong's call for the country to learn from Lei Feng. Mao's famous slogan stirred generations of do-gooders.
Lei was a young soldier known for his selfless devotion to helping others, he died at age 21 in 1962.
"We planned to show Youthful Days twice a day from Monday, but had to cancel all of the screenings as nobody showed up to buy tickets," a staff member surnamed Liu, at a box office of a cinema in Liaocheng, Shandong Province, told the Global Times Wednesday.
. . . .
"I think the poor box office result doesn't mean society has forgotten the spirit of Lei Feng, because you can still see a lot of people doing good deeds, such as getting involved in charity and volunteer work," Zhang Yiwu, professor and deputy director of the Cultural Resources Research Center of Peking University, told the Global Times.

Here is a translation of the SARFT order:

Notice Regarding Carrying Out Distribution and Screening of "Lei Feng's Youthful Days," "Lei Feng's Sweet Smile," and "Lei Feng in 1959" 

1. Carrying out the distribution and screening of "Lei Feng's Youthful Days," "Lei Feng's Sweet Smile," and "Lei Feng in 1959" is a concrete expression of implementing the Spirit of the 18th Party Congress, and all Radio, Film and Television Administrations and related film enterprises shall fully appreciate this important duty, bear in mind their responsibilities, painstakingly plan, and do everything possible to make use of the ability of film to teach through entertainment so that the entire society can create a new surge of study of Comrade Lei Feng and create a good cultural environment and atmosphere. In order to expand the audiences for screening, actively expand the social impact of the moive, and ensure the movie's ability to eductate, guide, and impel, you shall use multiple methods such as screenings in theaters, booking groups, and travelling screenings in the countryside. 

2. All distribution companies and theaters shall actively formulate plans for propaganda, distribution, and screenings, and provide copies of the films and propaganda memoriabilia sufficient to satisfy market demands, and attract larger audiences to come to the theater through group tickets or specially priced tickets and high quality service. You shall fully utilize theaters' large cinemas, electronic screens, and promotional displays to carry out propaganda work for the films and ensure the films are shown over a sufficient time with a sufficient number of showings. 

3. Relevant movie production enterprises shall actively cooperate with the films' propaganda distribution and screening work, and actively organize promotional activities for the films' production companies and creative personnel, and promptly screen the film in the countryside and provide the materials needed for dubbing the film in minority languages. 

4. The Film Digital Programming Management Center shall actively provide information to rural digital film companies and projection teams in order to satisfy the needs of film screening in the countryside.

5. The Film Channel Programming Center and all film media shall coordinate with the films' propaganda distribution and screening, and actively engage in the work of propaganda to promote the film, bring about correct guidance of public opinion, and further promote the films' social impact and dissemination.

6. The China Film Distribution and Screening Association shall fully bring into play the utility of the industry association, coordinate screening schedules, propaganda strategies and actively provide service to members. It shall strengthen industry oversight, pay attention to market information, and provide status briefings to industry insiders. 

关于认真做好电影《青春雷锋》、《雷锋在1959》和《雷锋的微笑》发行放映工作的通知 

一、做好电影《青春雷锋》、《雷锋在1959》和《雷锋的微笑》的发行放映工作，是贯彻、落实十八大精神的具体实践，各广播影视局和有关电影单位要充分认识其重要意义，牢记责任，加强领导，精心策划，充分发挥电影寓教于乐的作用，为全社会掀起向雷锋同志学习新高潮营造良好文化环境和氛围。要通过影院放映、团体包场、农村流动放映等多种形式，为广大群众放映好影片，积极扩大影片的社会影响，发挥好影片教育、引导和激励作用。
二、各发行公司、院线公司和电影院，要积极制定宣传发行放映营销策划方案，及时提供满足市场需求的电影拷贝和宣传品，以团体票或优惠的票价和优质的服务吸引更多的观众走进电影院。要充分利用影院大厅、电子屏幕、宣传橱窗做好影片的阵地宣传工作，保证足够时间和场次排映影片。
三、有关电影制片单位要主动配合影片的宣传发行放映工作，积极组织摄制组和主创人员参与影片的宣传和营销推介活动，及时为农村放映、民族语译制提供所需素材。
四、电影数字节目管理中心要主动为农村数字院线公司、放映队提供信息，满足农村电影放映需求。
五、电影频道节目中心，各电影媒体等有关单位要配合影片的宣传发行放映，积极做好影片的宣传推广工作，发挥舆论的正确引导作用，进一步提高影片在社会中的影响力和传播力。
六、中国电影发行放映协会要充分发挥行业协会的作用，在档期协调，宣传策划等方面主动为会员单位服务。要加强行业监管，关注市场信息，并将有关情况以简报形式向业内发布。

URL: http://www.sarft.gov.cn/articles/2013/03/05/20130305173548980088.html

Global Times Says Hollywood is to Blame for Chinese Government Movie Censorship

On January 22, 2013, China's official news agency Xinhua published a report in English entitled "Bond Movie Prompts Call for Film Review Reform." Some excerpts:

An edited version of the new James Bond film "Skyfall" hit Chinese theaters on Monday, prompting film industry insiders to call for reforms for the country's movie review system.
. . . .
Changes to the latest Bond movie include the removal of a bloody scene in which a Chinese security guard is shot by a French hitman, as well as changes to some of Bond's lines that inquire about a woman being forced into prostitution.

The state-sponsored Global Times published an English language report entitled "Censorship Decreasing in Hollywood Films, but Still Needed" that placed the blame on film makers:

The new James Bond blockbuster Skyfall has stirred controversy over China's movie censorship system as it started screening in China. Chinese bond fans are dissatisfied with a slightly different version from director Sam Mendes' film, due to a missing scene of an execution in Shanghai and some altered dialogue referring to prostitution and politics related to China.
. . . .
However, the Chinese public doesn't accept all Hollywood blockbusters. For example, many Chinese Hollywood fans expressed their discomfort with the scenes in Big Fish which defamed Chinese soldiers during the Korean War.  

Ideological divisions can often be found in Hollywood movies, especially in those which take place during the Cold War.  

Chinese movie censors might need to relax a bit more. But if Chinese people are portrayed more accurately in future, they will surely be less busy.

During Anti-Japanese Protests TV Regulator Issues Verbal Order Banning Japanese Programs

On September 18, 2012, the state-sponsored People's Daily reported:

A few days ago Internet users erupted with news that the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television had issued a notice that television stations must not broadcast any television programs or cartoons  relating to Japan, or any film or television productions involving Japanese actors, and that over ten television shows about opposing Japan including  "Bright Sword," "Brutal Flower," and "Tunnel Warfare" had therefore been banned. Yesterday a knowledgable person said that SARFT had merely verbally notified television stations not to broadcast any Japanese television shows, cartoons, or artistic programs, and had not in fact made any specific demands about shows about opposing Japan. 

日前有网友爆料称，广电总局下发新通知，电视台不得播放任何和日本相关的电视剧、卡通片，有日本演员参演的影视作品也在此之列，包括《亮剑》、《狼毒花》、《地道战》在内的十余部抗日题材的电视剧也因此遭禁播。昨日有知情人表示，广电总局只是口头通知各电视台不要播出日本电视剧、卡通、综艺节目，并未对抗日剧有明确的要求。