Rumor: SAPPRFT to Restrict Branded Video Channels on Internet TV
Tencent Tech, 7/14/14
According to an insider at China's State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT), the bureau is currently considering promulgation of new regulations that would limit online video websites to acting only as content providers on internet TV set-top boxes (STBs) and other devices, while restricting online video sites from offering dedicated content channels or setting up branded content zones within STB user interfaces.
Internet TV STBs manufactured by Android device maker Xiaomi and online video and Internet TV content provider LeTV (Leshi) (300104.SZ) would both be affected by the new regulations, as STBs and smart TVs from the companies feature branded content channels from select online video providers.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "SAPPRFT Prohibits Internet TV Time-delay Feature" MD 7/11/14 and "GAPPRFT to Cease Issuing Internet TV Broadcast Licenses" MD 7/04/14 issue.
Keywords: regulation television online video Internet TV SAPPRFT content branding