CCTV+ controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2020
Ofcom sanctions CGTN over broadcast of Peter Humphrey confession
The United Kingdom communications regulator found that CGTN, previously branded CCTV News, breached broadcasting rules in relation to its airing of a forced confession.
2019
CCTV airs confession of Hong Kong activist Simon Cheng
CGTN aired a video of Hong Kong activist Simon Cheng giving what he described as a forced confession; he subsequently complained to the UK regulator Ofcom.
2016
Broadcasts involving Peter Dahlin and Gui Minhai
CCTV aired forced-confession material involving foreign and Hong Kong-related detainees, prompting criticism from rights advocates and later complaints to regulators.
2014
Broadcast of Gao Yu confession
CCTV broadcast the confession of journalist Gao Yu, adding to concerns about the use of state television to publicize accusations against detainees.
2013
Broadcast of Peter Humphrey and Charles Xue confessions
CCTV aired televised confessions involving detained individuals before their cases had completed normal judicial processes. The practice became a major focus of criticism over coercive state broadcasting.
2011
Xinwen Lianbo uses footage from Top Gun
A report showing a fighter aircraft destroying another plane was found to use imagery from the 1986 film Top Gun rather than authentic news footage.
2001
Tiananmen self-immolation coverage
CCTV attributed a group of people who set themselves on fire in Tiananmen Square to Falun Gong. The characterization was later described by a Canadian regulator as abusive and misleading.
1999
Coverage during the Falun Gong crackdown
CCTV's Focus Talk broadcast numerous programs attacking Falun Gong practitioners during the government crackdown. Critics argued that the coverage demonized the movement and encouraged hostility.