The New Tang Dynasty Television Network (NTD or NTD TV), operated by the Universal Communications Network, is a television network that produces and provides multilingual content specializing in stories related to China and that are critical of the Chinese Communist Party. NTD offers analyses, original documentaries, and arts and lifestyle programs promoting what it considers universal values and the best of humanity’s culture and traditions. 1
NTD was founded in 2001 by Chinese American followers of the Falun Gong religious movement who fled communist China. In 2013, NTD began collaborating with the Epoch Times, sharing content and resources to expose human rights abuses being committed by the Chinese Communist Party. 2
Positioning
NTD states that it provides fact-based, sensationalism-free news that contains accurate and truthful information. NTD aims for its viewers to better understand themselves and the world by providing uplifting and inspiring content focused on history, culture, and tradition. 3 However, media watchdog organizations Media Bias/Fact Check and AllSides rate NTD as “far right” and “lean right,” respectively. 4 Additionally, Media Bias/Fact Check gives NTD a low credibility rating and calls it a questionable source. 5
Funding
The New Tang Dynasty is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses. While NTD does not disclose its donors, tax filings confirm donations from the Network for Good ($471,103 in 2019), 6 the Schwab Charitable Fund ($8,800 in 2021), 7 and the Young Pearl Education Foundation ($4,000 in 2022). 8
Transitional Leadership Team
After the June 2, 2024, arrest of Epoch Times’ CFO Bill (Weidong) Guan over his alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme involving more than $67 million 9 and the resignation of NTD president John Zhong Tang, NTD established a transitional leadership team effective June 7, 2024 consisting of William Huang, Kirk Wang, and Dana Cheng. 10
William (Wanqing) Huang is the secretary of the board of NTD. 11
Kirk (Xueke) Wang is a cofounder, secretary of the board, and senior vice president of subscription at the Epoch Times. 12
Dana Cheng is a cofounder, senior editor of China news, and member of the board at the Epoch Times. 13
References
- “About Us.” NTD. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.ntd.com/about.htm
- “About Us.” NTD. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.ntd.com/about.htm.
- “FAQ.” NTD. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.ntd.com/ntd-faq.htm.
- “NTD.” AllSides. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.allsides.com/news-source/ntd-media-bias.
- “NTD TV.” Media Bias/Fact Check. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/ntd-tv-new-tang-dynasty/.
- Network for Good, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2019, Schedule I, Part II.
- Schwab Charitable Fund, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2021, Schedule I, Part II.
- Young Pearl Education Foundation, Return of Private Foundation (Form 990-PF), 2022, Part XV, Line 3.
- “Epoch Times CFO is arrested and accused of role in $67M multinational money laundering scheme.” Associated Press, June 3, 2024. Accessed June 12, 2024. https://apnews.com/article/epoch-times-cfo-indictment-money-laundering-caad358778bb6b73e32e9f989f3b9665.
- “About Us.” NTD. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://www.ntd.com/about.htm.
- Universal Communications Network Inc DBA New Tang Dynasty, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax (Form 990), 2022, Part VII, Section A, Line 1a.
- “Kirk Wang,” The Epoch times. Accessed June 12, 2024. https://www.theepochtimes.com/page/in-our-own-words#kirk-wang.
- “Dana Cheng.” The Epoch times. Accessed June 12, 2024. https://www.theepochtimes.com/page/in-our-own-words#dana-cheng.