Dr. Bonnie Peng, Chairperson of NCC welcomed the research assistant of Freedom House, Ms. Sarah Cook on October 31, saying that Taiwanese media enjoy a high degree of freedom to report.

While giving an overview of the current situation, Chairperson Peng stated that there are eight domestic cable television channels that continuously broadcast news – all of which are free to report on any affairs they wish; in addition to numerous political talk shows that are free to present varying political opinions, freedom of speech of the domestic media is fully protected.

Furthermore, regarding Ms. Cook’s concerns of the overall development of domestic media, Chairperson Peng explained that the priorities of NCC include banning illegal domestic underground radio stations, encouraging ISP companies to adopt self-regulation on internet content, promoting international cooperation on preventing internet crime and junk mail, and handling the commercialization of TV programs. Chairperson Peng also mentioned that analyzing the experiences of other nations regarding this issue has enabled NCC to strike a better balance between freedom of speech and the management of internet content.

Chairperson Peng further explained that according to a study commissioned by NCC, 39.8% of viewers find news reports sponsored by corporations unacceptable; and 35.9% stated that they cannot accept governmental units as sponsors.

As for the management of media ownership, Chairperson Peng explained that according to domestic Cable TV Regulations, the upper limit of foreigners directly and indirectly obtaining shares of the business is 60%, whereas satellite TV broadcast Laws stipulates the upper limit of foreign holding the business share is 50%.

Freedom House was established in 1941 and is a non-profit organization of partisan party which promotes democracy, human rights, open economics, and free markets, including, independent media broadcast environment. Freedom House publishes “Level of Freedom Reports of All Countries in the World” and “Level of New Freedom Reports of All Countries in the World” each year which have become the focus of much attention of governments and media of all over the world and have become references for major decision making.


Issue Date：October 31, 2008
Contact：Section Chief Joanne Chan
Telephone：2343-3905