China's television watchdog has banned an online television
station for operating without a license in a further bid to
regulate Internet programming.
In a circular issued on Sunday, the State Administration of
Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) accused China International
Chinese Television Station (www.ccztv.com) of "illegally recruiting
reporters and engaging in unauthorized journalistic
activities."
Visitors to their site are now greeted by a screen that reads:
"Website Under Repair."
The SARFT regulation stipulates that unlicensed online TV
programs are prohibited from appearing on the Internet and
violators could be fined up to 30,000 yuan
(US$3,750?dollars).
In December 2006, SARFT blacklisted seven illegal online
television stations; however, five of them are currently still
accessible.
(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2007)