China is ordering satellite television broadcasters to replace shows featuring “excessive entertainment” with those that promote traditional values.

The state-run Xinhua news agency said Wednesday that satellite television stations have cut more than two-thirds of their prime-time entertainment programs – from 126 to 38 shows per week – following a new directive by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

The report says from January 1, the SARFT also requires satellite stations to broadcast at least two hours of news each evening.

The restricted programs on the SARFT list included dating shows, talent contests, talk shows and “emotional stories” that were deemed “excessive entertainment” and of “low taste.”

The report says the shows have been replaced with those that promote “traditional virtues and socialist core values.”