https://soundcloud.com/james-t-griffiths/radio-beijing-broadcast-june-3
A rare broadcast recorded by G. Jack Urso working the overnight shift at WQBK-1300 AM on 3 June, 1989. It is dignified and speaks for itself. It is also remarkable because it came from China’s official radio outlet, Radio Beijing the precursor to what is now China Radio International.
According to Urso the announcer’s name is Yuan Neng and he was transferred from his job for broadcasting the report. The script was by Wu Xiaoyong, Deputy Director of the English Language Service at Radio Beijing. His father, Wu Xueqian, at the time was a Senior Council Vice-President. According to reports, Wu was put under house arrest for two to three years and later moved to Hong Kong.
Transcript: This is Radio Beijing. Please remember June the third, 1989. The most tragic event happened in the Chinese capital, Beijing.
Thousands of people, most of them innocent civilians, were killed by fully armed soldiers when they forced their way into the city. Among the killed are our colleagues at Radio Beijing.
The soldiers were riding on armored vehicles and used machine guns against thousands of local residents and students who tried to block their way. When the army convoys made a breakthrough, soldiers continued to spray their bullets indiscriminately at crowds in the street.
Eyewitnesses say some armored vehicles even crushed foot soldiers who hesitated in front of the resisting civilians.
Radio Beijing English Department deeply mourns those died in the tragic incident and appeals to all its listeners to join our protest for the gross violation of human rights and the most barbarous suppression of the people.
Because of this abnormal situation here in Beijing, there is no other news we could bring you. We sincerely ask for your understanding and thank you for joining us at this most tragic moment.
Here’s the story of how the broadcast survived http://www.aeolus13umbra.com/2012/05/lost-voice-of-radio-beijing.html
