China Media

No More Drama? China’s Media Watchdog Restricts Hyping Of Celebrity Scandals

China’s media watchdog (广电总局) recently announced it will guard against the hyping of private scandals of the rich and famous. The notice comes after a month full of divorce drama involving celebrity couple Wang Baoqiang and Ma Rong.

Published

10 years ago

August 29, 2016

Manya Koetse

China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) recently issued an announcementdirected at society and entertainment news programs that it will now strictly guard against hyping private affairs and family conflicts of…

Related Topics:china bureaucracy China government

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Manya Koetse

Manya Koetse is a sinologist, writer, and public speaker specializing in China’s social trends, digital culture, and online media ecosystems. She founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 and now runs the Eye on Digital China newsletter. Learn more at manyakoetse.com or follow her on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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Chapter Dive

“Going to Town to Handle Business”: How Adidas Went from Hated in China to a Chinamaxxing Brand

Why has Adidas regained cultural relevance in China while Nike is struggling despite its global strength?

Published

2 months ago

June 12, 2026

Manya Koetse

🔥 Originally published in Eye on Digital China.
My premium newsletter covering the stories, memes, debates, and viral moments shaping online conversations in China. Subscribe here to receive future editions.

A viral meme about “going to town to handle business” helped Adidas pull off one of the most successful brand turnarounds in China—and highlights why Nike is struggling to keep up.

Just five years ago, Adidas was one of the most criticized foreign…

Chapter Dive

The “Are You Dead Yet?” Phenomenon: How a Dark Satire Became China’s #1 Paid App

A virtual Viagra for a pressured generation? The real story behind China’s latest viral app.

Published

7 months ago

January 14, 2026

Manya Koetse

From censored joke to state-friendly app, ‘Are You Dead Yet?’ has traveled a long road before reaching the top of China’s paid app charts this week. While marketed as a tool for those living alone to check in with emergency contacts, the app’s viral success actually isn’t all about its features.

It is undoubtedly the most unexpected app to go viral in 2026, and the year has only just started. “Are You Dead?” or…