China cracks down on violence and misogyny in viral micro dramas

China cracks down on violence and misogyny in viral micro dramas18 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleOsmond ChiaBusiness reporterVCG via Getty ImagesMicro dramas come in the form of serialised, made-for-mobile clipsChinese authorities have ordered a crackdown on materialistic, violent and sexualised content in locally made micro dramas.Provincial authorities are required to inspect the work of micro drama filmmakers as part of a two-month campaign to foster a "clean and healthy" industry, said China's State Administration of Radio and Television.The campaign targets eight types of content, including soft pornography, "distorted views on marriage and relationships" and "ostentatious displays of wealth".Micro dramas, which are serialised, made-for-mobile clips, have exploded in popularity globally in recent years - but have also drawn criticism for their often sensationalist content.Many shows feature wild, fast-moving plot lines, about topics ranging from secret billionaire husbands to forbidden romances, that are designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. There has also been no shortage of shows portraying excessive violence or sexualised characters.China's media administration said in a statement this week that the media campaign is one of "great significance for creating a healthy content ecosystem" for the micro drama industry.The campaign will address key issues including soft pornography, "materialism and ostentatious displays of wealth" and "distorted views on marriage and relationships."It will also target "feudalistic themes, violent revenge content, vulgar titles and copyright infringement", the statement read.Local authorities are expected to conduct spot checks on the work of their jurisdiction's production firms, which will be required to promptly rectify any issues that surface, said the media regulator. It added that the administration will carry out...