War serials get a reality check

More realistic portrayals of war are gaining ground in the broadcast battles.

Viewers and industry insiders have criticized recent years' TV series about the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) for exaggerated - even absurd - plots.

A national order from the country's top media watchdog requires major satellite channels to broadcast "anti-fascist" series during prime time hours from Sept 3 to the end of October. Sept 3 marks China's Victory Day as the Japanese government held a surrender ceremony one day earlier in 1945.