Seven Network’s Tiananmen Square Battle…
Some of the world’s most powerful television networks including the Seven Network are demanding that the Chinese government allow them to broadcast unlimited live footage from Tiananmen Square.
With the Olympic Games due to start in ten days the all powerful TV networks lead by America’s NBC who paid $836 million to broadcast the games, demand that the authorities lift a ban for aerial shots and interviews within the square.
At an emergency meeting with twenty of the main broadcasters including the Seven Network, a representative from the organising committee to the television representatives, “do not push this”. Not happy with this NBC and the IOC replied to this statement with, “this is not over, we will pursue this to the very end”.
John Barton from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union said,
“We are not going to allow the Tiananmen Square issue to simply fade away, it is far too important for that. We will continue the fight until the end of the Games. Our audiences throughout the world expect that of us. We will not let them down. To meekly accept the Tiananmen ban is unacceptable.”
“Tiananmen Square is as well known around the world as the Great Wall. It has great historical and cultural significance. Can you imagine an early morning scene, showing a vacant square, with two anchors trying to chat to each other trying to create the right atmosphere. That’s what you’re going to get. It will make for very poor television.”
Restrictions have also been applied to aerial shots of Tiananmen Square when the marathon event is held, with the ruling Communist Party afraid that pro-democracy protesters will use the site to get their message across.
“There is no doubt the quality of the marathon coverage will be seriously compromised by the lack of aerials,” Mr Barton added.
The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will be on the Seven Network on Friday 8 August from 10pm.
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