BC-DX TopNews WWDXC #945 BC-DX 945

15220 at 0740 UT, S=9+20dB. Urumchi CRI in French has an extremely wide
signal of 11 kHz, from 15214.5 to 15225.5 kHz, I set the filter to 20 kHz
and had an extremely good sound on the various Chinese songs, reminds me
like sound on the valve rx sets in the 50ties !
(wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 27)
CHINA/TAIWAN Beijing Pressures Asian Countries to Silence Independent
Radio Network.
As the Chinese regime negotiates free-trade deals with Taiwan, it is also
extending its long arm to restrict freedom of the press on the neighboring
island.
Sound of Hope (SOH), an independent radio network headquartered in the
United States, has been warned by its carrier in Taiwan that its contract
could be terminated.
SOH contracted with Taiwan's Central Broadcasting System (CBS) in 2004.
"It is because of Taiwan's democratic system that SOH chose to work with
CBS," SOH President Zeng Yong said, adding that the station has been
getting more and more popular among mainland Chinese because of its
unbiased news reports on current political and social problems in China.
The station has worked with CBS in a mutually successful relationship for
nearly six years. Daily air time has increased by two hours every year
since 2004.
Madam Ke of SOH said, "According to a source, since the second half of
2008, the Beijing regime has been using various means to pressure CBS to
cut off the shortwave broadcasts by SOH."
"CBS President Wang Tan-ping told us that it was difficult to continue the
relationship because of the pressure from Beijing. After the contract
expires on Jan. 11, 2010, we have been told that it will need to be
reviewed and adjusted," Ke continued.
Zeng said that he believes the problem is caused by issues of economic
gain. According to Zeng, the Canadian Prime Minister Harper demonstrated
that it is not necessary to sacrifice one's principles in exchange for
economic interests on a recent visit to China.
"This is not just interference [directed] to SOH, but a challenge to
freedom of the press in democratic Taiwan," Zeng said.
"We believe the decision to adjust the contract did not come from Taiwan's
government as a whole, but rather from a few individuals. We hope to
rectify the situation through communication with the Taiwanese
government," he said.
Similar Interference in Indonesia SOH's branch in Indonesia, Batam-based
Era Baru Radio Network, encountered similar interference from Beijing. Era
Baru started its Chinese and Indonesian language broadcasts in March 2005.
Its signal also covers neighboring countries, such as Singapore and
Malaysia.
In 2007, the Chinese Embassy sent a threatening letter to the Indonesian
government's Communications Ministry and the Indonesian Broadcasting
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