STATEMENT: The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong responds to BBC
Tuesday 8th February – In January, John Nicolson MP wrote to the BBC, asking for the broadcaster to not allow the Chinese state to sportswash the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The Chinese Communist Party is currently committing crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, enforcing harsh crackdowns on human rights in Hong Kong and continuing its persecution of occupied Tibet. In addition, it has threatened Taiwan and coerced other nations through trade.
The BBC replied to the letter stating, “We consider our sports reporting to be separate from our news coverage of the nations in which the Games are held” and that they can assure their viewers on their “continued commitment to reporting on the ongoing political situation in China without fear or favour.” As an influential body, the BBC have a duty to ensure the British public is aware of the atrocities being committed by China and should not be separating these two interlocking issues.
CFHK President, Mark Clifford said:
“We expect a publicly funded broadcaster to serve its people with accurate information, and not one which has fallen in line with China’s plan to sportswash the Winter Olympic Games.
“In failing to commit to the asks of the letter, the BBC is allowing the Chinese government to use this prestigious international sporting event for propaganda purposes. Failing to publicly recognise the ongoing abuses perpetuated by China, both at home and abroad, throughout the broadcasting of the Winter Olympic games is a missed opportunity from the BBC to call the Chinese state out for its actions. It is shameful and sorrowful that a well-respected organization has failed to recognise the connection between the broadcasting of sport in Beijing and reporting on the human rights abuses also taking place miles from the Olympic bubble. It is disappointing to learn that the BBC are refusing to uphold the values set out in their Royal Charter, including the provision of impartial news and information to allow people to understand the world around them.
“The BBC is failing both its viewers and listeners, as well as the people being subjected to human right abuses by the Chinese state.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk
The BBC replied to the letter stating, “We consider our sports reporting to be separate from our news coverage of the nations in which the Games are held” and that they can assure their viewers on their “continued commitment to reporting on the ongoing political situation in China without fear or favour.” As an influential body, the BBC have a duty to ensure the British public is aware of the atrocities being committed by China and should not be separating these two interlocking issues.
CFHK President, Mark Clifford said:
“We expect a publicly funded broadcaster to serve its people with accurate information, and not one which has fallen in line with China’s plan to sportswash the Winter Olympic Games.
“In failing to commit to the asks of the letter, the BBC is allowing the Chinese government to use this prestigious international sporting event for propaganda purposes. Failing to publicly recognise the ongoing abuses perpetuated by China, both at home and abroad, throughout the broadcasting of the Winter Olympic games is a missed opportunity from the BBC to call the Chinese state out for its actions. It is shameful and sorrowful that a well-respected organization has failed to recognise the connection between the broadcasting of sport in Beijing and reporting on the human rights abuses also taking place miles from the Olympic bubble. It is disappointing to learn that the BBC are refusing to uphold the values set out in their Royal Charter, including the provision of impartial news and information to allow people to understand the world around them.
“The BBC is failing both its viewers and listeners, as well as the people being subjected to human right abuses by the Chinese state.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk