This term was first used by China Central Television in 2006 in response to criticisms that an overemphasis on audience ratings was driving down the quality of programming. The idea of “green ratings” was to create a happy marriage between the pursuit of higher ratings and avoidance of content deemed sensational or damaging to the media’s overall credibility. [SOURCE: “Ten keywords in Chinese broadcasting research 2006”, Chen Lidan ]. [CMP: “Beijing Youth Daily editorial appeals for balance of public and commercial interests in Chinese media”].