Reporting directly to the State Council
State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT)
SARFT regulates broadcast media and films and sometimes has a say in the control of other types of news media. SARFT recently published regulations requiring all online video to be subject to SARFT approval; these rules in the wake of SARFT's successful monopolization of control of IP TV and other forms of Internet based transmission of moving images.
Reporting directly to SARFT
China Central Television (CCTV) CCTV is the nation's largest broadcaster operating 16 terrestrial channels. In addition to broadcasting, CCTV sometimes participates in regulation of the TV industry.
The General Administration of Press and and Publications (GAPP)
GAPP controls print publications and the distribution of news to both print and Internet publications. GAPP is the body that approves publication licenses for periodicals and books. News regulation is often done in concert with SARFT, the Publicity Department, the State Council Information Office and Xinhua.
Ministry of the Information Industry (MII)
MII was established in the late 1990s to oversee the telecommunications, Internet, digital communications and IT industries. MII's remit includes both technology and content. MII issues ICP (Internet Content Provision) licenses, the online equivalent of publication licenses.
Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture controls live performances (music, theater etc.) and has a say in any aspect of media that can be considered relevant to culture, whether it be content of films and TV programs or language issues.
Information Office of the State Council
The Information Office of the State Council can best be understood as the State Council equivalent to the Publicity Department which reports to the Party Central Committee (see below). While not normally involved in media regulation, the Information Office of the State Council has influence on on MII, GAPP and SARF in addition to it's propaganda role.
Xinhua News Agency
Xinhua is a news agency and wire service that has been slowly changing from a propaganda machine into something resembling a Chinese version of Reuters. However, Xinhua also has a regulatory function and can work in concert with GAPP or autonomously.
Reporting directly to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (Publicity Department, formerly Propaganda Department)
The Publicity Department is responsible for ensuring that the news and information environment in China is in accordance with the Party's wishes. The Publicity Department does not usually have regulatory powers over media in China, but can step in when news or events of concern to the Party happen. 