Central government broadcasting regulators have criticized Hubei Broadcasting Station (HBS) for broadcasting an obscene program banned earlier by the censors.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) issued a circular on Thursday on its web site criticizing HBS, as well as the Hubei Provincial Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

On Sept. 13, 2007, SARFT banned 13 local radio stations from airing sexually suggestive programs in five central and southern provinces: Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou and Hainan.

On Jan. 13, however, the economic channel of HBS resumed broadcasting the banned programs. SARFT ordered the station to stop airing the content and discipline the staff involved.

It also criticized the Hubei Provincial Administration of Radio, Film and Television for inadequate supervision of the local stations.

The administration issued circulars in July and September 2007, banning radio and TV commercials and programs involving drugs, sex-related health supplements, drugs for sexually transmitted diseases, sex toys and "vulgar" ads for breast enhancement and female underwear.

SARFT ordered local broadcasting administrations to follow the rules and strictly supervise local stations, and it warned that anyone who violated the regulations faced punishment.

(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2008)