China censors HBO after comedian John Oliver criticises Xi Jinping’s censorship
In a recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the talk-show host criticised Xi for amassing political power and censoring online discussion
Chinese authorities appear to have blocked US film and television production company HBO’s website after comedy show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired a segment criticising President Xi Jinping for censorship. HBO.com, which offers programming information but no shows, was unavailable to internet users in China, according to Greatfire.org, a watchdog group. Bloomberg staff were also unable to access the company’s website as of Tuesday morning. The watchdog Cyberspace Administration of China and the State Council Information Office did not immediately respond to faxes requesting comments. HBO, a unit of AT&T, has been selling some content in China’s fast-growing $14.5bn online streaming market under tight censorship rules. HBO licences shows in China such as TV dramas Game of Thrones and Band of Brothers through Tencent’s streaming service, which had not been affected as of Tuesday morning. US-based television and movie production companies have been seeking more access to Chi...
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