China: Homer banished from TV primetime

China has banished Homer Simpson, Pokemon and Mickey Mouse from prime time.

Beginning on September 1, regulators have barred foreign cartoons from TV from 5 to 8pm in an effort to protect China's struggling animation studios, it is reported. The move allows the Monkey King and his Chinese pals to have the top TV viewing hours to themselves.

Foreign cartoons, especially from Japan, are hugely popular with China's 250 million children and the country's own animation studios have struggled to compete.

Communist leaders are said to be frustrated that so many cartoons are foreign-made, especially after efforts to build up Chinese animation studios.