
<p>What does the China, the World Cup and George Orwell have in common? Quite a lot, actually.</p>



<p>If you’re China, how do you avoid drawing attention to the billions of people outside your country who are no longer wearing COVID masks? Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, summed it up best:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.</p></blockquote>



<p>With FIFA overseeing the television broadcast of every single game in a World Cup, everyone sees the same footage. Except, not in China. Chinese television producers are replacing live footage of fans in World Cup stadiums with closeups of players and coaches on the field.</p>



<p>Why? China doesn’t want its population realizing that the vast majority of the world have progressed past the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local regions in the People’s Republic of China are still in lockdown. Chinese residents have been forced to take daily COVID tests, and people have had enough. Large street <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63772365" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protests have erupted</a>, and protestors are calling for politicians to step down.</p>



<p>China President Xi Jinping’s strict <a href="https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2022-10-17/china-president-xi-jinping-doubles-down-on-covid-zero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Covid Zero policy</a> has been a failure with a <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63739617" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record number of cases nationwide as the virus surges</a>.</p>



<h2>World Cup opens a window into the world for China</h2>



<p>China is a soccer-mad nation. For instance, 623 million people in China watched games from the 2014 World Cup. Despite not qualifying for World Cup tournaments in 2014 and 2018, there is significant interest in watching the 2022 World Cup.</p>



<p>All of the games are televised. In doing so, that causes an issue for Chinese politicians.</p>



<p>Viewers in China are able to see hundreds of thousands of people sitting close together in stadiums, not wearing masks.</p>



<p>“There are no separate seats so people can maintain social distance, and there is nobody dressed in white and blue [medical] garb on the sidelines,” a <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63735923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese citizen told BBC</a>. “On one side of the world, there is the carnival that is the World Cup, on the other are rules not to visit public places for five days.”</p>



<h2>Chinese state media employing Orwellian tactics</h2>



<p>Knowing the the crowd shots earlier in the World Cup caused some consternation for Chinese politicians, Chinese state media have begun censoring the coverage.</p>



<p>Here’s a clip that shows a side-by-side example of game coverage (top) and what the viewers in China saw (bottom):</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is amazing. Due to the backlash from Chinese fans seeing unmasked crowds in Qatar, Chinese TV is now replacing live crowds shots during games and instead cutting to close-ups of players and coaches. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/vg0qozUawc">pic.twitter.com/vg0qozUawc</a></p>— Mark Dreyer (@DreyerChina) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/DreyerChina/status/1596721748824641536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The last thing the Chinese government needs right now are citizens seeing average people enjoying life and not wearing masks. It undermines the authority of the Chinese government, especially leader Xi.</p>



<h2>Censorship in the West</h2>



<p>Media censorship isn’t just happening in China. </p>



<p>Anyone who watched the first 30 minutes of Germany against Japan last week would have noticed something unusual. Despite having more than a dozen touches of the ball, the FIFA world-feed prevented viewers from seeing close-ups of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.</p>



<p>Why? Presumably FIFA didn’t want to draw attention to Neuer, who was <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-claims-extreme-blackmail-forced-armbands-change-20221122-WST-409423.html">going to  wear a OneLove armband</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIFA employing Orwellian tactics by not showing any closeups so far of <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/Manuel_Neuer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Manuel_Neuer</a> on the same television feed that is shown worldwide. <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/GERJPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GERJPN</a><br><br>George Orwell wrote in 𝟣𝟫𝟪𝟦: “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself.” <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/GER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GER</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/mFKisQ9wGn">pic.twitter.com/mFKisQ9wGn</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1595407003874205696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Closer to home, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-sports-to-hide-the-truth-from-world-cup-viewers-20221014-WST-404413.html">FOX Sports have censored their own World Cup coverage</a> from reporting on off-the-field controversies that are happening in Qatar. The fact that Qatar is a multi-million dollar sponsor of FOX’s coverage shows that capitalism, as well as communism, has a way of censoring programming too.</p>



<h2>Final thoughts</h2>



<p>George Orwell summed it up best in his classic 1984 book:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”</p></blockquote>



<p>Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the protests happening across China this weekend were influenced by what Chinese World Cup viewers saw earlier in this tournament?</p>



<p>We shall see in the coming days.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Is China turning World Cup into George Orwell's 1984? Scenes from Qatar 2022 television coverage in China are being censored.

China turning World Cup into George Orwell's 1984 - World Soccer Talk

China turning World Cup into George Orwell's 1984


<p>Television teams will be banned from filming in certain zones throughout the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.&nbsp;&nbsp;British newspaper <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/15/qatar-world-cup-tv-reports-restrictions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Observer</a>&nbsp;is claiming that the Qatar government has restricted housing neighborhoods of migrant workers in the Middle Eastern country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, these crews, which include BBC and ITV in England, are only allowed to film in three locations around the city of Doha.</p>



<p>The two aforementioned British television networks currently have <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/17/bbc-itv-schedule-world-cup-schedule/">dual rights to broadcast the 2022 World Cup</a> in the United Kingdom.</p>



<p>Public places of the Corniche waterfront promenade, the Towers area, and the West Bay area will be the only portions of the city where these camera crews may record.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Qatar censor World Cup broadcasters: What next?</h2>



<p>Along with the accommodation sites of migrant workers, filming in or near government buildings, hospitals, places of worship, and universities are all also prohibited by the local government.</p>



<p>Any company traveling to Qatar to record during the World Cup must agree to these terms when applying for a special permit.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/15/qatar-world-cup-tv-reports-restrictions">The Guardian</a>, this permit essentially allows crews to “capture photography and videography of the most popular locations around the country.”</p>



<p>Still photographers must also agree and secure a permit as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, print journalists without a camera do not need to apply to the country’s supreme committee for the license.</p>



<p>FIFA previously stated that they were “working with the supreme committee and relevant organizations in Qatar to ensure the best possible working conditions for media attending the tournament, as well as ensuring that broadcasters continue to report freely without any restrictions.”</p>



<p>Qatar has had a history of issues with foreign journalists in previous years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2015, a few&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/18/bbc-demands-explanation-for-arrest-of-crew-investigating-qatar-world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC reporters</a>&nbsp;were arrested and spent multiple nights in jail while covering the migrant work crisis in Doha.</p>



<p><a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/24/norwegian-journalists-reporting-labourers-qatar-world-cup-arrested" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian journalists</a>&nbsp;were also arrested last November for similar reporting.&nbsp;&nbsp;The duo remained in jail for a reported 36 hours before they were eventually released.</p>



<h2>BBC and ITV will not shy away</h2>



<p>Representatives with BBC and ITV have both declared that their reporting will not change for the Qatar World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;A spokesperson for BBC recently said that the broadcasting company has a “proven record of addressing topical issues as part of our coverage.&nbsp;&nbsp;This World Cup will be no different.”</p>



<p>Similarly, ITV has stated that their “World Cup tournament coverage will focus on the football, but will not shy away from the controversies off the pitch.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"This contract company they treat us like animals … This is how we live six people per room." I still get WhatsApp messages from the migrant workers I walked up and introduced myself to at FIFA hotels in Qatar. Read my detailed new story about it here: <a href="https:\/\/t.co/H1KLX125HX">https:\/\/t.co/H1KLX125HX</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/qHwwIHBvma">pic.twitter.com/qHwwIHBvma</a></p>— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1570546141456134146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Meanwhile, US broadcaster FOX Sports don’t have to worry about censorship. They’re <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fox-sports-to-hide-the-truth-from-world-cup-viewers-20221014-WST-404413.html">leaving “off the field” stories</a> to other news organizations. However, that’s despite FOX Sports having two news crews traveling through Qatar to capture “the flavor of the country.” </p>



<p>Instead of reporting on human rights abuses and lack of freedoms, FOX Sports are planning on airing puff pieces about camel racing, the Doha skyline and falconry. </p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Joerg Boethling</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>

Ahead of the world's biggest soccer competition, Qatar censor World Cup broadcasters from filming migrant worker living conditions.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "censorship"

China

China turning World Cup into George Orwell's 1984

BBC

Qatar censor World Cup broadcasters from filming living conditions