China opens consultation on cable and IPTV service rules to curb stacked TV fees
The National Radio and Television Administration published two drafts on 2 September, revising the cable operation-service rules and creating a first instrument for IPTV. Comments close on 1 October 2026.
What this basis means: Regulatory filing, government body, court or industry association.
China's National Radio and Television Administration opened public comment on 2 September 2026 on two draft instruments at once, issued by its Department of Policy and Regulations.
The first revises the Administrative Provisions on Cable Radio and Television Operation Services, originally SARFT Order No. 67. The second, the Interim Provisions on Interactive Network Television (IPTV) Operation Services, is new: no rule previously existed at that level for IPTV.
The stated purpose is to establish a long-term mechanism for the campaign against television "matryoshka" fee-stacking and over-complex operation, converting an enforcement drive into a standing rule. The cable draft carries provisions on boot-up advertising, on live-channel-first startup, and on elderly, minors' and accessibility modes; the IPTV draft carries comparable provisions on boot-up advertising and on elderly and accessibility modes. Comments close on 1 October 2026 and may be sent to zcfgs@nrta.gov.cn.
Neither draft mentions micro-drama. The two channels they govern are nevertheless named in the administration's Order No. 16 on micro-drama, in force since 1 September 2026, which brings internet television, IPTV and cable television within its scope as distribution channels.
Tracked instrument China, NRTA Order No. 16 — Measures for the Administration of Micro Short Drama Development (微短剧发展管理办法), China, NRTA filing review tiers and the AI micro short drama classification notice
Sources
- Notice on public consultation on the draft revised Administrative Provisions on Cable Radio and Television Operation Services and the draft Interim Provisions on IPTV Operation Services (opens in a new tab) National Radio and Television Administration
- Order No. 16, Administrative Measures for the Development of Micro-Dramas (opens in a new tab) National Radio and Television Administration