China bans The Simpsons (and others) from primetime

In an effort to promote Chinese animators, the government has barred foreign animation from television between five and eight p.m. Shows that currently hold those time slots include The Simpsons, Mickey Mouse, and Pokemon. Animation is very hot in China right now, especially Japanese animation. According to this article, China has been trying to beef up its animation studios but so far they've produced bland storylines that hasn't matched the mass market appeal of characters like Bart Simpson and Mickey Mouse.

Other changes on Chinese-run television include requirements that hosts dress more conservatively and use English sparingly, limited foreign programming, and no scary movies during primetime.