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

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."

Visitors to their site are now greeted by a screen that reads: "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 dollars).

In December 2006, SARFT blacklisted seven illegal online television stations; however, five of them are currently still accessible.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2007)