Hot off the press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060813/ap_on_en_tv/china_cartoon_ban
Summary: Beginning September 1st, China is barring any animation not made in China from appearing on Chinese prime-time TV (5-8PM) to help Chinese animation studios.
My question: Will this move help popularize Chinese anime, or simply shoot it in the foot by highlighting its shortcomings? I say it'll hurt it; I foresee the same effect as when major media attacks music groups, violent video games, etc., and acts as unintentional publicity, thereby increasing sales. In other words, actively restricting Japanese/American/Korean/other animation from being shown during peak hours will probably make people that weren't aware of it wonder what all the fuss is about, and they start to investigate, and more converts are born.
Opinions? Sound off!