Ofcom launches probe into Chinese state broadcaster over Hong Kong coverage
Ofcom has launched an investigation into Chinese state broadcaster CGTN over concerns its coverage of protests in Hong Kong broke the regulator’s impartiality rules.
Ofcom is understood to be probing four separate news programmes aired on the station in August and early September.
Read more: Ofcom gives green light to BBC’s Britbox push
CGTN, which is the international arm of state-controlled China Central Television, has ramped up its London operations since opening a European hub in Chiswick last year.
The broadcaster has since generated controversy for its coverage – which it describes as bringing a “Chinese perspective to global news” – with much of its recent programming focusing on the recent violent clashes between police and protesters in Hong Kong.
CGTN is currently facing a separate investigation by Ofcom following allegations it aired forced confessions, including one by British investigator Peter Humphrey, who was imprisoned in China.
Humphrey said the broadcaster had breached Ofcom’s code and called for its licence to be revoked.
Last week the company was dealt a further blow to its expansion plans after the resignation of a key adviser.
Nick Pollard, a former Ofcom director and previously head of Sky News, was hired late last year to help the broadcaster navigate British regulation.
Pollard decided to step down due to concerns over CGTN’s impartiality in its coverage of Hong Kong, according to reports.
CGTN, which is available in the UK on Sky and Freesat, has aired programmes in recent weeks with titles such as “Thousands rally to support Hong Kong police” and “Who’s behind Hong Kong protests”.
The broadcaster last month featured an interview with former MP George Galloway – also a regular on Russian state broadcaster RT – who defended the crackdown on protesters.
Read more: Ofcom clears Channel 4 News over Jon Snow’s ‘white people’ comment
An Ofcom spokesperson said: “We are investigating whether these programmes broke our rules requiring news to be presented with due impartiality.”
CGTN has been contacted for comment.
Main image credit: Getty