Uncensored TV Service to China Shut Off

Uncensored TV Service to China Shut Off

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 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, June 16th, at approximately 6:30 pm U.S. EDT 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 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.

Source: New Tang Dynasty Television

CONTACT: Jenny Fang of New Tang Dynasty Television, +1-917-962-0711,
jenny.fang@ntdtv.com

Web site: http://www.ntdtv.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment