BEIJING: China has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in the country, international news agencies reported.
China has criticized the BBC for its reporting on coronavirus and the persecution of ethnic minority Uighurs.
In response to the ban, the BBC said it was “disappointed” by the decision.
It follows British media regulator Ofcom revoking state broadcaster China Global Television Network’s (CGTN) license to broadcast in the UK.
Ofcom’s decision earlier this month came after it found that CGTN’s license was wrongfully held by Star China Media Ltd.
CGTN was also found in breach of British broadcasting regulations last year, for airing the allegedly forced confession of UK citizen Peter Humphrey.
In its decision, China’s State Film, TV and Radio Administration said BBC World News 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.
(With inputs from BBC)
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