Gov’t Budgets NT$1 Billion for PTS to Set Up Int’l Channel, Causing Backlash from PTS Board of Directors

 Gov’t Budgets NT$1 Billion for PTS to Set Up Int’l Channel, Causing Backlash from PTS Board of Directors

Source: UDN

July 22, 2020

It is reported that commissioned by the Culture Ministry, the Public Television Service (PTS) has begun an “international digital communication program,” under which an online English video platform will be established, with a budget amounting to NT$1 billion earmarked by the Cabinet. However, the program has caused a backlash from PTS board of directors.  

In a PTS board meeting last Thursday, July 16, several board members questioned whether the government’s hand had intervened in the Taiwan Broadcasting System, asking “How can PTS, as a public media outlet, follow instructions from the Culture Ministry?” 

Feng Hsiao-fei (馮小非), a PTS board member, opined that this was tantamount to the state confiscating PTS, adding that if PTS stepped on the red line of taking instructions from the government, PTS’ independent image would go up in flames.

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