Background Information on the Announced Results of the Government Information Office's Review of Applications for Satellite Broadcasting Business License Renewal

The Satellite Broadcasting Business Review Committee of the Government Information Office (GIO) convened on July 31, 2005. At this time, 62 license renewal applications were approved, and 7 rejected. As per regulations, rejected businesses shall cease broadcasting starting from 00:00, August 3, 2005.

Violations by businesses in general mainly involved such laws as the Child and Juvenile Welfare Act, Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act, Food Sanitation Act, and Satellite Broadcasting Act.

In accordance with the Satellite Broadcasting Act promulgated and implemented on February 3, 1999, the GIO accepts applications for satellite broadcasting business licenses. As of the end of July 2005, some 143 channels had been issued licenses (for local businesses) or permits (for offshore satellite broadcasting businesses). In principle, a license is valid for six years. (The permits of offshore satellite broadcasting businesses depend on the duration of their distribution rights, up to the 6-year maximum.) In accordance with the stipulations of Article 6 of the Satellite Broadcasting Act, concerned businesses must file an application for license renewal six months prior to the expiration of their current license. Hence, the GIO had to complete by August 2, 2005, the procedures for license renewal of those businesses that obtained a license for the first time in 1999, according to the law.

GIO Minister Pasuya Wen-chih Yao pointed out that the review committee passed a number of resolutions. The first item determined that those satellite television channel operators who gained approval for license renewal should include the promises made during re-examination interviews into operating projects. The second item stipulated that television news channel operators are required to establish a self-regulated disciplinary organization within one month, draft and strictly abide by a disciplinary pact, and incorporate these disciplinary measures into their operating projects. The third item specified that all satellite television channel operators whose license renewal applications have been approved should set up a transparent system to facilitate participation and monitoring by an independent committee. Television stations are also suggested to broadcast a weekly fixed-schedule program for news and discussion to encourage dialogue on public issues. In the future, the GIO will also convene public conferences on media reform to forge social consensus and establish a platform for the participation of the general public in the media.

Through the renewal of operating licenses, the GIO expects to update the operating data of satellite television channels, and thus get a better understanding of the media industry's operations and development. Via this measure, the GIO also hopes to protect consumers' rights, promote self-regulated discipline among the media, and establish a pluralistic and open industry.