Beijing- China's broadcasting watchdog has banned an online television station for operating without a licence in a further bid to regulate online television, according to the People’s Daily. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) accused China International Chinese Television Station of "illegally recruiting reporters and engaging in unauthorized journalistic activities". The station's website was replaced by a web page reading: "Website Under Repair."

SARFT stipulates unlicensed online TV programs are prohibited from appearing on the Internet and violators could be fined up to 30,000 yuan (US$3,750). SARFT blacklisted seven illegal online television stations last December, but five are still accessible, according to the People’s Daily.