Beijing- Chinese authorities have warned nine digital pay TV channels they face fines or closure unless they cease broadcasting commercials, films and dramas in violation of their permit conditions.

The Tourism Channel, run by Guangdong  Southern Media Group (GSMG), had failed to meet the minimum 90%  requirement for its program content and had aired advertisements in breach of its license, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

"This practice has severely violated the regulation that prescribes that digital pay TV channels are open to prepaid subscribers only, broadcast a minimum program content of 90%, and cannot play commercials except those promoting the channel itself," SARFT said.

Other channels issued with warnings included the Jiangsu Television-run Dressing Channel which broadcast commercials, the Tianjin Television-run Travel Channel and Fashion Channel, Guizhou Television-run Photography Channel, Liaoning  Television-run Game and Sport Channel and Quiz Channel, which all reportedly aired films or dramas under the guise of educational or instructional programs, according to the People's Daily.