Taiwan’s Cabinet has approved a proposed amendment to the country’s Radio and Television Act that would allow for TV and broadcasting licences to be issued through public auctions, in addition to the current panel review process, Taiwan Today reports. The revision would also lengthen the period of validity for such licences to nine years from the current six years, as well as extend the period between regular reviews of TV and broadcast operators from two years to three years.
If the amendment is passed by the parliament, the government will be able to collect additional revenue from the auction of the licences. However, in order to prevent excessive bids for licences that might lead to a situation in which large corporations come to dominate the industry, the National Communications Commission could place a ceiling on bidding amounts. If two or more companies make the maximum bid, then a drawing of lots would be held to determine the winning bid.
Weng Hsiao-ling, a commissioner of the NCC, said that the current process for issuing licenses was not transparent enough. She said that because the TV and broadcasting industry provides an important channel for citizens to speak freely and voice their views, the present panel review system should also be maintained. Under an amended system of conducting reviews of licence holders, any broadcasters who fail to bring their operations up to standard after being instructed to reform them, would have their licences revoked by the regulatory agency.
(Source: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)
