China has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in the country, its television and radio regulator announced on Thursday. China has criticised the BBC for its reporting on coronavirus and the persecution of ethnic minority Uighurs. The BBC said it was “disappointed” by the decision.
In its decision, China’s State Film, TV and Radio Administration said in a statement issued on the stroke of the Lunar New Year, the administration said an investigation found BBC World News’ China-related reports about China were found to “seriously violate” broadcast guidelines, including “the requirement that news should be truthful and fair” and not “harm China’s national interests”. It said that the BBC’s application to air for another year would not be accepted. Ofcom’s decision earlier this month came after it found that CGTN’s licence was wrongfully held by Star China Media Ltd. On Feb. 4, British media regulator Ofcom revoked China Global Television Network’s (CGTN) licence to broadcast in the United Kingdom after an investigation found the licence was wrongfully held by Star China Media Ltd.
English-language BBC World News is not included in most TV channel packages in China but is available in some hotels and residences. The BBC is the world’s most trusted international news broadcaster and reports on stories from around the world fairly, impartially and without fear or favour.
