China's television watchdog has banned an online television station for operating without a licence in a further bid to regulate online television programs.

In a circular issued on Sunday, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) accused "China International Chinese Television Station" (www.ccztv.com) of "illegally recruiting reporters and engaging in unauthorized journalistic activities".

The station's website has been replaced by a web page with the words: "Website Under Repair".

The SARFT regulation stipulates that unlicensed online TV programs are prohibited from appearing on the Internet and violators could be fined up to 30,000 yuan (US$3,750).

In a similar case, SARFT blacklisted seven illegal online television stations in December, 2006. However, five of them are still accessible.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2007)