On 16 June transmission of New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) to mainland China was suddenly halted by the operating firm Eutelsat. The reason given was ‘an irregularity in the power supply’ to the satellite. Since then Eutelsat has given no satisfactory explanation of the causes. NTDTV has not been informed whether efforts are being made to remedy the technical faults. NTDTV is the largest independent TV broadcaster in Chinese and, before 16 June, the only one which could be received in uncensored form in China. NTDTV broadcasts programmes in Chinese and English. Eutelsat did not want to renew the contract with NTDTV for transmission to Asia in 2005, but the cancellation of the contract was prevented by international intervention.

What measures will the Commission be taking to ensure the continued transmission of independent TV channels in China?