On the 27th December, 2016, "Regulations on Terrestrial TV Business Broadcasting Domestically-produced Programs" and "Regulations on Satellite Broadcasting Program Supplier Broadcasting Domestically-Produced Programs." were promulgated in Taiwan. Half a year after these two regulations went into effect, it was founded that some broadcasters do not meet the legal requirement. In order to improve the policies on domestically-produced broadcasting programs in Taiwan, it is necessary to examine existing regulations in both Taiwan and abroad to fully understand domestic media market and how television industry spread the culture of the country through dissemination of information. The conclusion of this study can serve as a reference for development of policies and regulations.

This study puts forward suggestions on the domestically-produced broadcasting program policies directed from review of foreign literature, investigation and analysis of regulation implementation, a survey on the public’s opinion on domestically-produced broadcasting programs and focus group discussions.Based on the analysis of above work, the main findings of this study are as follows:

1.     Standard of Domestically-produced New Broadcast Programs

This study suggests that the current standard of domestically-produced new broadcast programs should be maintained .

2.     The Definition of the Four Types of Programs

In order to improve the diversity and flexibility of the standard of domestically-produced programs, it is suggested to broad the definition of variety program to include life style, quiz and reality TV programs. In addition, some entertainment-oriented talk shows should also be considered variety shows.

3.     Other Types of Program, Prime Time, Ratio Requirement and Calculation Period

Animations should be included in the children's category or the movie category. However, considering the fact that production of animation in Taiwan may not be sufficient , animations should not be categorized into an independent type of program. This study suggests that Prime time period should be maintained and the ratio of new broadcast for the domestically-produced movie programs should be reduced. In addition, the period of inspection should be revised from half a year to one year.

4.     Overseas Channel

This study suggests that requirements be established for overseas channel which wants to enter the Taiwan market. They are mandated to contribute a certain percentage of its revenue to mutual fund for the content production.

5.     Different Requirement for Cable TV and Terrestrial TV

The requirement of ratio of broadcast/new broadcast for cable TV can be different from that of terrestrial TV. Therefore, this study suggests the current regulation be maintained.

6.     Form for Calculating Revenue and Cost of broadcaster

This study proposes a calculation to help generate the data on the broadcast hours, revenue of programs and cost of production.

7.     Recommendation for Revision of Regulation

This study proposes to amend Article 5, paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of the " Regulations on Satellite Broadcasting Program Supplier Broadcasting Domestically-Produced Programs ".

8.     Suggestions for Policy on Funding

This study suggests to discuss the use of the existing “The Cable Radio and Television Development Fund”, for other purposes such as improving content of domestically-produced programs, subsidizing operators with 4K/8K technology, and offering financial aid for developing 5G technology.

9. Recommendation on Overseas Market

(1) Promote the Sale of Domestically-produced Programs

(2) Expand the scope of reward subsidy

(3) Attract international OTT to set up a branch in Taiwan, in order to facilitate the sales of domestically-programs to other countries through the international OTT audio and video platform.

10. Recommendation on Improvement of Program Quality

This study suggests that Art. 3. 3.(3) of “2018 Directions for Funding Production of Television Programs be amended”.