The BBC published on 2 September 2024 an article titled "China's Mission to Win African Hearts with Satellite TV" by Shawn Yuan.
China funds StarTimes private digital TV in African villages as part of its soft power program. It began as a free aid project but became a subscription service at subsidized rates. Many villagers cancelled their TV service after the free trial period ended. The initiative began with much promise but has become a disappointing part of China's soft power effort in Africa.
