Posted on Feb 11, 2021
China bans BBC World News in reprisal for UK action against CGTN
In a reprisal for the UK's banning of China Global Television Network’s (CGTN) licence to broadcast in the United Kingdom, BBC World News has been barred from airing in China, the National Radio and Television Administration said on Friday, a week after Britain’s media regulator revoked Chinese state television’s broadcast licence.
In a statement the administration said an investigation found BBC World News’ China-related reports had “seriously violated” regulations, including that news should be “truthful and fair,” had harmed China’s national interests and undermined national unity.
The channel therefore does not meet requirements for foreign channels broadcasting in China and its application to air for another year will not be accepted, it added.
China’s move was condemned by British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab, while the BBC said it was “disappointed”.
“China’s decision to ban BBC World News in mainland China is an unacceptable curtailing of media freedom,” Raab said.
“China has some of the most severe restrictions on media and internet freedoms across the globe, and this latest step will only damage China’s reputation in the eyes of the world.”
English-language BBC World News is not included in most TV channel packages in China but is available in some hotels and residences.
Two Reuters journalists in China said the channel had gone blank on their screens.
On February 4th, British media regulator Ofcom revoked China Global CGTN's licence to broadcast in the United Kingdom "because it is ultimately controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, which is not permitted under UK broadcasting law".
China criticised the ruling as politicised and warned it reserved the right to make a “necessary response”.
Read also: UK revokes China Global Television Network’s broadcasting licence
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