More drama after ban

Fans of TV soaps and dramas will be able to settle back and enjoy their favorite programs without the incessant interruptions of commercials from Jan 1, 2012.

At present advertisements hiccup at mind-numbingly short intervals throughout TV dramas, but the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television released rules on Nov 25 banning broadcasters from running ads during movies and drama episodes that run for 45 minutes or more.

The regulator said the latest move will help to "raise the quality of public cultural services and guarantee the people's basic cultural rights".