China's top media authority has ordered the nation's major video websites to remove four high-profile American TV series from their sites.

No specific reason was given for the order from the State Administration of Press, Publication,Radio, Film and Television, said public relations managers at Youku and Tencent Video.

Popular shows that were removed included The Good Wife, NCIS and The Practice. Sohu alsoremoved The Big Bang Theory, a show it had exclusively licensed.

Visitors to the sites are now greeted by a written apology that says "We're sorry for being unableto provide video services now due to policy reasons".

More drama in online videocompetition

TV broadcast restriction toregulate industry

In March, the administration said it would strengthen themanagement of Internet video and audio programs, andrequire that online content be examined by at least threequalified personnel.

The administration also said that programs should beremoved immediately if their content is against regulations.Inappropriate content includes promoting superstition orglamorizing violence, salaciousness or gambling.

The Hollywood Reporter speculated that the policies inMarch could be a possible sign of "tighter control over onlinedistribution of Hollywood content in China".

Peng Kan, a consultant at Legend Media, which specializesin TV industry development, said he was confused by thechoice of programs that were removed because they did notseem inappropriate.

"The fuzzy standards are always a problem. They don't give you an explicit criterion beforehand.But when you make a mistake or when they think you make a mistake, you'll get caught," he said.

"So there is and will be a long process of testing each other's boundaries and makingcounterstrategies."

Content on Chinese video websites was not previously subject to the administration's directexamination and there was not a quota restriction for purchasing overseas programs.

With 400 million online video viewers, Chinese video websites have been spending heavily onlicensing American TV series and creating their own content, both with more stimulating subjectsthan what is usually allowed on TV.

"I think that the advantages Chinese video websites enjoyed thanks to looser examination willprobably come to an end," Peng said.