The crackdown began last year in the run-up to a high profile Communist Party congress where the leadership for the next five years were elected.

"The order banned the showing of programs about exaggerated sexual life, sexual experiences, sexual understanding, sexual organs and the abilities of aphrodisiacs," said a statement from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft).

The Chinese administration was also keen for China's media to concentrate on 'wholesome' programming during this year's Beijing Olympics.

"Repeatedly broadcasting base and lascivious programs is serious and has had a terrible effect."

Hubei's management were blamed by the regulator for their failure to adequately supervise their TV output.

"This shows that the Hubei People's Radio and Television Station's propaganda and management abilities have serious flaws which are in urgent need of rectification."

But surprisingly, the station got away with a mere criticism -- and perhaps a subtle message from Sarft to other channels thinking of following Hubei's example.

"Provide more and better spiritual food for the masses."

Sarft has had more success in purging China of adverts considered to be sexually suggestive or downright falsehoods.

More than 3,000 transgressive adverts were revised or removed from radio and TV by the end of 2007.

"Radio and TV stations across the country have examined their schedules and months of effort to crack down on illegal adverts have had their effect."