China's State Administration of Radio and Television (SARFT) has issued new guidelines to regulate the production of micro-short dramas, particularly those featuring the popular trope of a wealthy, young CEO falling in love with a much older, impoverished woman.

The guidelines, announced on [date], specifically target content that promotes unrealistic and harmful stereotypes, such as the overnight transformation of ordinary people into the wealthy and powerful. The SARFT has also called for a ban on the use of the term "霸总" (bà zǒng), which translates to "霸道总裁" (bàdào zǔngcái) and refers to the domineering CEO archetype commonly found in these dramas.

"In their pursuit of higher viewership, some producers have resorted to creating content with plots that are severely detached from reality," the SARFT stated in a notice. "These dramas promote unrealistic values and aspirations, such as the idea that one can become rich overnight."

The new regulations come in response to a surge in popularity of short-form dramas featuring these exaggerated and often unrealistic love stories. While these dramas have attracted a large audience, they have also been criticized for promoting harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations.

In addition to the restrictions on content, the SARFT has encouraged producers to create more realistic and relatable characters. The guidelines suggest that creators should conduct research on real-life entrepreneurs and incorporate their experiences into their stories, avoiding the creation of unrealistic and damaging stereotypes of Chinese businesspeople.

The SARFT's latest move is part of a broader effort to promote positive and uplifting content in Chinese media. In a previous announcement, the regulator encouraged the creation of more positive and relatable middle-aged characters, aiming to challenge negative stereotypes often associated with older generations.

By imposing these new regulations, the Chinese government hopes to ensure that the country's media landscape promotes healthy and realistic values.

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