Media row: China retaliates, bars BBC World News

London, February 11

British television channel 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 issued on the stroke of the Lunar New Year, 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. 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 did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On February 4, UK regulator Ofcom had revoked CGTN’s licence. — Reuters