December 15, 2009

Sources have said that China has blocked the Sun TV network from being distributed on cable due to its outspoken talk shows. It's believed that Sun's broadcast rights were revoked because guests on the network's talk shows were politically outspoken and called for political reform. The government is cracking down on content they deem too sensitive or bold. An employee at Sun TV's parent company in Hong Kong, who was too afraid to give his name for fear of political repercussions, reported that since December 5, audiences in mainland China cannot receive Sun TV's signals, but their programming is still working in Hong Kong and overseas. The government ministry responsible for the media did not notify Sun TV in advance, they did not give an explanation, and they did not say how long this revocation would last.
Beijing has become even stricter in terms of regulating televised and online content over the past few years. They have restricted the "more creative" television programs; they have blocked access to overseas social sites like facebook, twitter, and youtube; they have blocked Google's new document sharing platforms; and ordered Google to change the way online searches are processed for its Chinese Google site (way to capitulate for profit, Google). Also, in the name of cracking down on pornography, file-sharing websites have been closed down. These sites allowed users to share photos, music, and videos, (and obviously ideas -- the most dangerous thing!). Also, in the name of anti-pornography campaigns, some portals that hosted blogs have been blocked. Last month, the anti-pornography campaign also was extended to WAP sites that provide content to mobile phones. (Full Story)

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Officials from Doctors Without Borders said this year the violence in southern Sudan is the worst it's been since the signing of the 2005 peace deal between south Sudan and the north, which was to end two decades of civil war (south Sudan is seeking independence). This year at least 2,000 people have reportedly died and 250,000 have fled their homes following violence in southern Sudan. The operations director for Doctors Without Borders said the 2009 killings are different from past violence in the south. Before violence was linked to land clashes and cattle rustling. This year, villages have been attacked, and raiders have been targeting and killing women and children. The group said 87% of the people they have treated this year were victims of gunshot wounds. And the number of people killed in the violence is three times higher than the number of wounded. A Doctors Without Borders report said that there were warning signs before some of the attacks, but neither the government of southern Sudan nor the U.N. mission in Sudan protected the communities. It was further added that despite the large presence of aid agencies in Sudan, only a handful of these agencies can respond to humanitarian emergencies quickly and effectively. Officials don't yet understand the underlying reasons for the attacks. Some suspect it might have something to do with the fact that the south prepares to vote for independence in early 2011. (Full Story)