Global Task Force for Public Media speaks out on China BBC ban

The following is a statement by the Global Task Force for public media:

The Global Task Force for public media is deeply concerned by the decision of the government of the People’s Republic of China to ban BBC World News from broadcasting in the country. The ban was announced on February 11, 2021 by the National Radio and Television Administration, China’s media regulator.

RTHK, Hong Kong’s public broadcaster, also announced that it will no longer carry BBC World Service or BBC News Weekly in Cantonese, as of February 12, 2021.

Taken together, these actions severely restrict access to trusted sources of news and media freedom within the region. Access to independent journalism is a basic right and critical for citizens everywhere to be informed.

Signed, Global Task Force for public media

David Anderson, Managing Director, ABC (Australia)
Thomas Bellut, Director General, ZDF (Germany)
Delphine Ernotte Cunci, President & CEO, France Télévisions (France)
Jim Mather, Chair of the Board, RNZ (New Zealand)
Hanna Stjärne, Director General, SVT (Sweden)
Catherine Tait, President & CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada, GTF Chair (Canada)
Yang Sung-dong, President & CEO, KBS (South Korea)

About the Global Task Force
The Global Task Force exists to promote and defend the values of public media—access, accuracy, accountability, creativity, impartiality, independence and high standards of journalism—all of which underpin an informed and healthy democracy.

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