China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has issued a notice regulating the production of TV dramas.

The notice requested producers not to over-use themes that involve horror, violence, thrill-seeking behavior and bizarre events.

Spy dramas are becoming popular on the small screen, but they should not exaggerate horror, violence, thrill-seeking and oddities, the SARFT said in the notice, which was posted on its website.

The administration also asked TV producers to adopt higher aesthetic levels, appropriate viewpoints and upbeat themes.

China has taken various actions to regulate films, TV programs and web content since early this year. Last month, the General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP) restricted sales of horror and supernatural films. Earlier this month, 62 websites were penalized for disseminating obscene, fear-inspiring or violent content or programs.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27,2008)