China’s Broadcasting 21 Measures: Impact on Film & TV Production
In August 2025, China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) released a landmark reform officially titled 《进一步丰富电视大屏内容 促进广电视听内容供给的若干举措》. Known as the China Broadcasting 21 Measures, the policy loosens restrictions on TV and streaming content and opens new opportunities for producers, broadcasters, and international collaborators.
Key Changes in the China’s Broadcasting 21 Measures
Drama Episode Counts
The measures adjust management of drama episode counts, giving production and broadcast planning more flexibility. Project-specific requirements still need confirmation.
Seasonal Scheduling
The measures adjust management of the interval between seasonal dramas. Confirm the applicable arrangement for the title and broadcaster.
Content Management
The reform changes aspects of programme management; it should not be read as permission for unrestricted content or an automatic approval for any genre.
Advertising Arrangements
Advertising arrangements need to be checked with the broadcaster and responsible authority. This article does not establish a blanket right to insert 30-second mid-roll advertising.
Review Procedures
The measures aim to improve content review and administrative efficiency. Do not assume that any production may broadcast unapproved episodes.
Documentary & Animation Boost
More policy support for documentary production and animation content creates opportunities for diverse producers.
Micro-Dramas Enter Broadcast TV
Micro-dramas (短剧) are officially supported for television broadcast under the China Broadcasting 21 Measures, signaling their entry into the mainstream.
Overseas Programmes
The measures support bringing suitable overseas programmes to Chinese television. Applicable import, adaptation and approval procedures still need to be followed.
Why the China’s Broadcasting 21 Measures Matter for the Industry
For Local Producers:
- Greater creative freedom for long dramas
- Faster production-to-broadcast cycles
- New ad-based revenue models
For International Partners:
- Expanded space for co-productions and foreign IP adaptation
- More opportunities for licensing overseas works in China
- Clearer policy pathways for documentaries and animation
Learn More & Connect
The China Broadcasting 21 Measures represent a major shift in content regulation, designed to revitalize China’s film and TV landscape. For international production companies, this is the right moment to explore partnerships in China.
Learn more about our production support in China, discover filming locations in China, or meet our bilingual crew for your next project.
Source: NRTA: measures to increase television and audiovisual content supply. Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.