"The number of nationwide or provincial contests must be restricted and the quality of these contests must be guaranteed," said the circular, issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television on Monday.

It also said that contestants must be above the age of 18, otherwise organizers must seek the approval of the administration.

Last year's most popular contest in China, Super Girls, an"American Idol"-type singing contest, produced by Hunan satellite TV, attracted more than 150,000 participants, many of whom were teenagers. One of the selling point of the contest was that there were no restrictions on age, experience or background."Sing as you wish" was the contest's slogan.

Another similar nationwide televised contest, Dream China, produced by the China Central Television requires the participants to be over 16.

The circular said that programs must avoid being vulgar. It also urges judges of such contests to be fair and true in their judgement. Enditem