As Olympics Open, Chinese Hear First Free Radio Broadcast Since 1949

Most clandestine radio broadcasts trying to get into China use short wave signals that are routinely blocked by Chinese authorities. But using miniature transmitters and antennas, just hours before the Olympics' opening ceremonies Reporters Without Borders was able to get a 20-minute broadcast on the FM band on a station they called Radio Without Borders.

Hosted by RWB secretary-general Robert Ménard, the broadcast featured interviews with exiled Chinese human-rights activists -- and a message from Ménard for Chinese authorities: "Despite everything, there are people who are going to be able to speak out about things you don’t want the public to hear, in the very heart of Beijing. Regardless of the measures you take, you will not get rid of free speech."

The broadcast is also posted online in English, French, and Mandarin.