Uncensored TV Service to China Shut Off Weeks Before Olympics

http://chinaview.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/uncensored-tv-service-to-china-shut-off-weeks-before-olympics/


Uncensored TV Service to China Shut Off Weeks Before Olympics

Posted by chinaview on June 27, 2008

Press release, NTDTV, New York, June 23, 2008-

Seven weeks away from the Olympics, millions of households in China
are no longer receiving the satellite broadcast from the largest
independent Chinese-language TV network.

New York, June 23 — On Monday, June 16th, at approximately 6:30 pm
U.S. EST time, New Tang Dynasty Television’s (NTDTV) satellite
broadcast covering Asia suddenly stopped after more than four years on
air.

Eutelsat Communications, the satellite operator, said that its W5
satellite had experienced “an anomaly to part of its power generator
subsystem” and it had “reduced by a small number the operating
transponders on the satellite” in collaboration with the satellite’s
manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space.

One week has passed, NTDTV’s signal remains dark across Asia, and we
still do not know what caused the anomaly, why NTDTV’s service was
shut off, and when it will be restored. Under normal commercial
practice, if a transponder goes down then the satellite company
responsible rapidly assures alternative service for its channels.

“This is an urgent matter of highest importance to NTDTV and to our
viewers who depend on us for uncensored news and information in
Mainland China,” said Zhong Lee, President of NTDTV.

NTDTV has received much support on our audience feedback web site,
including these messages from China:

“We feel like we cannot breathe the fresh air if we cannot see NTDTV.
We feel suffocated when we see the faked news and reports from other
[Chinese] TV stations.”

“We cannot live without NTDTV. Please resume as soon as possible.”

“Anger: Have not been able to view NTDTV for several days. Really,
really anxious.”

“We do not need to change channels when we watch NTDTV. This is a
common feeling among many of our friends. If it really is a technical
problem, Eutelsat, please fix it ASAP ….We support NTDTV!”

Zhong Lee concluded: “The harm this interruption has caused to NTDTV
and our audience must end. We will spare no effort to obtain a full
accounting of the situation and to restore NTDTV’s open satellite
broadcast over Asia as soon as possible.”

About NTDTV

New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV) is an independent, nonprofit Chinese
language TV broadcaster that also features programming in the English
language.

NTDTV began broadcasting via satellite in North America in February
2002 and extended its 24/7 programming to cover Asia, Europe, and
Australia in July 2003.

Headquartered in New York City, NTDTV currently has reporters and
correspondents in over 50 cities worldwide. The network has gained an
international reputation for its objective and timely reporting of
political, economic, and cultural stories in the Chinese language, and
for multi-faceted educational and entertainment programs that bring
together the finest in both Eastern and Western cultures.
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