China delays live coverage of Olympics

Euronews showed Live coverage, but CCTV-9 was delayed by 40 seconds

There were protests in Athens during the handing over of the Olympic torch to the Chinese in Athens today but they were well away from the cameras and the ceremonial proceedings. Few television stations covered the events at the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens as Liu Qi, the BOCOG President, was handed the Olympic torch.

Neither CNN or Sky News covered proceedings and the BBC only showed 3 minutes leading up to the torch handover. The BBC announced that the event would be taking place ‘in the the hour’ as the one o’clock news bulletin started. At 13:15 BST [12:15 GMT] the BBC report started with renewed protests in Katmandu where Nepalese police are said to have arrested around 100 protesters. The coverage moved on to Athens where Live pictures were relayed, but after only three minutes the BBC cut away to other news. The report was critical of Greek ‘muzzling of the media’ which the BBC described as echoing the military dictatorship that once existed in the country.

Coverage continued throughout the events on CCTV-9 and also on Euronews. But the Chinese news channel delayed ‘Live’ coverage by nearly 40 seconds, presumably due to the fear that protest might disrupt proceedings Before accepting the Olympic torch, Mr Liu said, “We are willing to fulfil the noble ideals of the Olympic movement, and firmly contribute to the Olympic spirit which will combine people from all over the world”. The BOCOG President was then handed the Olympic torch and passed the flame specially constructed which will be transported to Beijing by plane.

The torch will arrive back in Europe within a few days and is set to be carried through London on 6th April. Heavy security will surround the carrying of the torch through London’s streets where pro-Tibetan protests are expected. There was further controversy today after it was announced that Fu Ying, the Chinese Ambassador for London, was to carry the torch through part of Chinatown. It had been expected to be a Chinese athlete. Ms Fu Ying said, "I'm very worried because for days, for weeks we have heard about the Beijing Olympics as if it's a UN conference for solving all domestic problems. For the Chinese it's about sports." She added, "There's a lot more awareness about the influence of politics and there are better means for solving political problems, but you don't solve them on the football ground, you don't solve them in the swimming pool." Meanwhile, TV presenter Konnie Huq, has announced that she will take part in the Olympic torch relay through London despite condemning the Chinese government's treatment of Tibetan protestors. The 32 year old said she had “battled with her conscience” over whether to turn down a role as a torch bearer. But she has now said she will go ahead with the event, despite condemning the Chinese regime's actions as "despicable". "After much consideration, I have decided to take part in this ceremony because I am committed to the Olympic ideals which reach out to people across the globe,” Ms Huq said. "I am also carrying the torch for London 2012 which I believe will be an event which will enhance the lives of everyone in the capital as well as encapsulating all the true Olympian values.”