WORLD : China Lifts Ban on Live TV News, Reopens Satellites to U.S. Nets

Chinese authorities today lifted a ban on live satellite coverage from China imposed when martial law was declared Saturday to quell pro-democracy protests, U.S. television networks reported.

“The phone rang and it was Chinese (state) television and they said, ‘Would you guys like to book some time?’ and we said, ‘We’d like to,’ ” said CBS correspondent Bruce Morton.

The resumption of live coverage seemed to indicate that the balance of power might be shifting to moderates opposed to the faltering crackdown on the student-led popular revolt, correspondents said.

“My crystal ball on this story broke several weeks ago,” Morton said, “but obviously if you are going to send tanks into Tian An Men Square and blow up the center of town . . . you’re not going to call up the Western networks and say, ‘Come on down and get back into the live television business.’ ”

Cable News Network, ABC and NBC also resumed live satellite coverage.