​Eutelsat statement regarding the broadcast of CGTN

Paris, 12 April 2021 – Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) emits over 6,000 channels worldwide via its satellite fleet. Following an open letter issued by NGO Safeguard Defenders, Eutelsat reiterates that it is not within its remit to judge the content and suspend the broadcast of a channel under contract without an injunction from a competent authority. In the case of non-European channels, the responsibility for controlling their content rests with the regulator of the country where the uplink is located or upon which the utilised satellite capacity depends. As regards the broadcasting of CGTN in Europe, this responsibility therefore falls to the CSA which also has the ability to take legal action.

Complaints against CGTN are to be examined by the CSA; Eutelsat will immediately comply with any subsequent decision by the CSA or the French courts, as it does systematically.