The KMT-leaning CtiTV News station has lost its request for a new operating license. The National Communications Commission announced the decision on Wednesday, following a high-profile public hearing on the station''s fate. The government''s media watchdog refused the license request in a unanimous decision, citing viewer complaints, scant internal oversight, and intervention in news production by shareholders. The ruling can be appealed through administrative litigation.
Despite weeks of running commercials on press freedom, CTi News is not getting a license.
Chen Yaw-shyang
National Communications Commission
On the subject of CTiTV’s application to renew the license of CTi News, after a thorough discussion, the seven commissioners have unanimously decided to reject the application.
NCC Commissioner Chen Yaw-shying listed reasons for denying CTiTV of a license.
Chen Yaw-shyang
National Communications Commission
There are several main reasons. The first is its severe record of infractions. Over its license period, viewer complaints have increased sharply since 2017, from 72 in 2017, to 962 in 2018. This single news channel accounted for 31.55% of all complaints filed against TV stations, and its fines have reached NT$11.53 million. In addition, CTi News’ internal controls are out of order, its legal department lacks functionality, and there was a period of five months with no supervision. This all goes to show that its main shareholder, Mr. Tsai Eng-meng, directly or indirectly interfered in the production at CTi News. This decision is a message to all consortiums, that if you buy a media outlet and operate it, you have to respect the professional autonomy of journalists and maintain an appropriate distance from the news desk.
In its live broadcast of the NCC announcement, CTi News had this to say onscreen: “Tsai Administration Shuts CTi News – Freedom of Expression Is Dead.” Meanwhile, the KMT is rallying against the NCC.
Johnny Chiang
KMT chairman
Arrangements regarding cable news channels should take into consideration a balanced representation of public opinion. We oppose this reduction of the political spectrum to just one voice.
Chen Yaw-shyang
National Communications Commission
I’ll say it again. I think that CTiTV saying that Taiwan can’t be left with just one voice is an insult to all media professionals. Because without CTiTV, Taiwan still has a variety of voices. Taiwan is a country with freedom of expression. The claim, “Taiwan now only has one voice,” holds water only in the party-state period.
The NCC stressed that its decision can be appealed, but that CTiTV must do so through an administrative lawsuit. The company must also obtain a stay against the NCC sanctions, meaning a long legal fight could be ahead.
