英语文摘：Plug pulled on lurid op programs

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has called a halt to all TV and radio programs on plastic surgery or sex-change operations.

The administration issued a notice on Thursday that forbids programs with such "indecent themes and bloody and explicit scenes".

As the decision states, it is forbidden to plan, program or broadcast any programs about plastic surgery or sex-change operations.

The decision came as growing numbers of local TV stations decide to broadcast such programs, which have attracted complaints from many viewers.

For example, Sun Min, a viewer in South China's Guangdong Province, said she found the scenes of plastic surgery in "New Agreement on Beauty", broadcast by a local TV station, to be "horrifying and sickening".

"Ongoing programs of this kind should be stopped immediately," said the notice. "Any party that violates the rule will be punished."

The administration has already stopped broadcasts of "New Agreement on Beauty".

In response, He Yi, an official with the Guangdong TV Station, said that the program's production team understands the administration's decision and would abide by it.

The administration's move came a week after it banned "The First Heartthrob", a local talent show broadcast in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, due to its vulgar content.

The program caters to "low-grade interests", with the judges and songs on the program often featuring bad language.

The administration said this seriously damages the image of the television industry and has a negative social influence.

The director of the program has already been fired by Chongqing TV station.