The government-backed broadcaster was widely believed to have partnered with Tudou and MySpace China late last month to extend its Olympics content onto the web, after securing the online rights in an open tender last year.
However, sources in China say that Tudou has been dropped after China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft) threatened to shut it down.
CCTV, meanwhile, has posted a statement claiming that it is the sole holder of the rights and “has not made any partnership or joint venture with other internet companies to operate any so-called ‘Olympics website’, and have not made any delegation agreement with any new media company in broadcasting the Olympics Games.”
However, other sources have revealed that CCTV decided to drop Tudou participation from a joint press conference one day before it was due to take place.
Sarft is reported to have accused Tudou of broadcasting material that is prohibited under new regulations governing online video sites.
“I think this is the government wanting to make sure the internet is developing in a way they consider safe and that they can control to ensure purity of content,” said Shaun Rein managing director of CMR, adding Tudou could be made an example to intimidate other companies looking to enter the market.
Tudou would not comment on the story, though sources close to the site say the matter will not be resolved for another two weeks. Tudou remains operational at the time of going to press.
