The Chinese communist regime had been maintaining a total control of all media in China for more than 5 decades. In 2004, NTD and Sound of Hope (SoH) radio began broadcasting independent programs to China through Eutelsat's W5 satellite. The broadcasters represent the only Chinese media receivable by audience in China that is out of the control of the Chinese communist regime, thus opening an unprecedented “window of information freedom” over China.

The "window of information freedom" achieved by NTDTV and SoH was cherished by the Chinese people, but feared by the regime. According to Reporter Without Boarders (RSF), the Chinese communist regime had repeatedly demanded Eutelsat to shut down NTDTV.

Eutelsate shut down the broadcasts on June 16th, 2008, claiming technical problems of the satellite. On July 10th, 2008 Reporters Without Boarders published evidence showing that Eutelsat's CEO Mr. Berretta shut down NTDTV to please Beijing hoping for lucrative business deals. According to a recorded conversation with an employee of Eutelsat, released by RSF, the shutdown was a premeditated, politically-motivated decision.