China's CGTN Applies to French Media Regulator for Right to Broadcast in Europe, Reports Say

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - China's state-owned media China Global Television Network (CGTN) has applied to the French media regulator, Superior Audiovisual Council (CSA), to receive permission for broadcasting in Europe, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing the regulator.

The CSA told The Financial Times that China's media applied for the license in December, but refused to specify when the decision regarding CGTN's application would be made.

The news outlet added that the French media regulator planned to subject the application of China's broadcaster to serious scrutiny in the wake of Ofcom's decision to nullify CGTN's license in the UK.

According to the EU legislation, foreign broadcasters can operate in all EU member states after they meet the requirements of one of the bloc's members and receive a license from its media regulator.

This Aug. 11, 2009 photo shows a statue of Mao Zedong in front of an illuminated pagoda-shape building in Huaxi, Jiangsu Province, China

© AP Photo / Eugene Hoshiko

On 4 February Ofcom, the UK regulator for communication services, decided to revoke the license for CGTN to broadcast in the country since the license was wrongfully held by Star China Media Limited media company that was not responsible for CGTN's content.

As stated on its official website, CGTN is an international media organisation that aims to provide global audiences with accurate and timely news coverage as well as rich audiovisual services, promoting communication and understanding between China and the world, and enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual trust between China and other countries.