Article from Mingbao (HK): China Postpones Its TV Satellite Launch, Due to its Fear of Citizens Watching Overseas TV Programs

Mingbao News, Hong Kong: According to a media report from Mainland China, China Broadcast and Television Bureau shelved the plan to launch China's first satellite for transmitting TV programs. They switched instead to developing its cable television network. The decision to postpone the TV satellite launch was prompted by Beijing's fear of losing control over peoples' minds should its citizens be able to view foreign TV programs via satellite receiver.

To further enforce ideological control, the authorities performed a thorough investigation of all satellite receiver facilities. They discovered that many companies transacted business by selling and installing satellite receivers. Subsequently, China Broadcast and Television Bureau reiterated its prohibition of citizens receiving foreign satellite TV programs without permission.

Source:
http://www.clearwisdom.net/emh/articles/2002/4/29/21481.html