SARFT: Strictly control the pay of actors and stars to combat ratings fraud

On November 9, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued the "Notice on Further Strengthening the Management of Radio, Television and Online Audiovisual Programs". The notice proposes that all radio and television broadcasting organizations and online audiovisual program service organizations must resolutely curb unhealthy tendencies such as star chasing, hyping up celebrities, and pan-entertainment; encourage winning with high-quality content, constantly innovate program formats, and strictly control guest pay; increase the governance of TV dramas and online dramas (including online movies) to promote the healthy development of the industry; strengthen the use and management of ratings (click-through rate) survey data, and resolutely crack down on ratings (click-through rate) fraud.

The notice puts forward management requirements for the remuneration of actors and stars. Specifically, the notice proposes that all radio and television broadcasting organizations, online audio-visual program service organizations, and program production organizations should control the remuneration of film and television stars participating in programs within a reasonable amount, advocate that film and television stars actively participate in public welfare programs with a sense of social responsibility and mission, and resolutely correct the unhealthy phenomenon of inviting stars at high prices and competing for stars. Variety shows broadcast on various satellite comprehensive channels from 19:30 to 22:30 must report the names of guests, remuneration, cost ratio and other information to the General Administration in advance. The total remuneration of all guests in each program shall not exceed 40% of the total cost of the program, and the remuneration of the main guests shall not exceed 70% of the total remuneration of the guests.

Regarding the remuneration of actors in TV series and online dramas (including online movies), the notice also proposed that the self-discipline regulations on the cost allocation ratio of TV series and online dramas (including online movies) that have been issued should be strictly implemented. The remuneration of all actors in each TV series and online drama (including online movies) shall not exceed 40% of the total production cost, and the remuneration of the main actors shall not exceed 70% of the total remuneration. If the total remuneration of all actors exceeds 40% of the total production cost, the production organization shall file a record with the association to which it belongs (China Radio and Television Production Committee, TV Drama Production Industry Association or China Network Audiovisual Program Service Association) and China Radio and Television Actors Committee and explain the situation.

The notice also proposed to strengthen the management of the use of ratings (click-through rate) survey data and resolutely crack down on the fraud of ratings (click-through rate). It is strictly forbidden for broadcasting organizations to make ratings commitment requirements to production organizations, and it is strictly forbidden to sign ratings betting agreements. It is strictly forbidden for any organization or individual to interfere with or falsify ratings (click-through rate) data.