Harsher Censorship or Cunning Plot? Confusion Reigns Over Chinese Online TV Bans

Intrigue piles upon intrigue in the Chinese online TV world right now, as top U.S. shows are banned from online streaming sites but are being lined up to re-appear on the state broadcaster CCTV.

So fiendish are the twists and turns of the story so far that it would not be out of place among the fleshpots and ultraviolent warriors of the HBO series Game of Thrones, which, incredibly, aired on Chinas national broadcaster CCTV on Sunday.

Webizens are wailing and gnashing their teeth over a government decision to pull The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, The Good Wife and The Practice from online streaming sites. They are calling it the latest attack on free speech, and poignantly asking for the return of Sheldon, one of Big Bang Theorys most beloved stars in China.

However, this may really be all about business and re-imposing state control.

As Game of Thrones Cersei Lannister would put it: You win or you die."

They are showing Game of Thrones and yet Big Bang Theory isnt safe. Something is wrong with that, a senior source at an online TV company, who requested anonymity, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Until now, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television has allowed video websites to operate with few of the restrictions imposed on movies or TV, as it tries to encourage a high-tech industry where China has opportunities to lead the field.

Online companies such as Youku, Tencent and Sohu have operated with far more freedom to show edgy material, such asThe Walking DeadandHouse of Cards, than the traditional media, such as TV and cinema. Its long been baffling how the government allows shows likeHouse of Cards, particularly the second season, which had a storyline critical of Chinese government corruption.

As reported inThe Hollywood Reporterearlier this month, SAPPRFT said it was planning to increase censorship of foreign content .

The regulators have been working on proper regulations since 2009. I firmly believe that the government will leave enough room for us and the online TV content providers. We provide lots of revenues for them, said the source.

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Harsher Censorship or Cunning Plot? Confusion Reigns Over Chinese Online TV Bans