China's NRTA outlines audiovisual goals for 15th Five-Year Plan

China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) has outlined its strategic goals for the “15th Five-Year Plan” period, focusing on high-quality development in broadcasting and online audiovisual sectors. Key initiatives include transitioning from basic governance to enhancing service and user experience.

Technological advancements are central to the plan. The NRTA aims to integrate set-top box functions directly into television software to create simplified terminals. There is also a significant push for ultra-high-definition (UHD) content across the entire industry chain, including mobile, vehicle, and home screens. Regarding artificial intelligence, the agency will regulate AI-generated content, requiring clear labeling and mandatory human review to prevent unauthorized “AI modifications.”

The micro-drama market has seen explosive growth, with users exceeding 800 million and a projected market size surpassing 100 billion yuan by 2025. While AI-generated micro-dramas now account for over 90% of new releases, the NRTA emphasized a commitment to supporting “live-action dramas” as the core of high-quality content creation. The agency also announced plans to launch approximately 100 high-quality television series during this period.