GIO plans to keep an eye on content of local TV shows

Concerned that locally produced TV programs are becoming increasingly sensationalistic or inaccurate, the Radio and Television Affairs Department of the Gov-ernment Information Office (GIO) has decided to begin monitoring and evaluating local programs.

The first evaluation will be released within two weeks.

"Because many TV shows have damaged some people's privacy and the sensationalism [of some programs] has made audiences uncomfortable, we have decided to take action and manage TV shows," said Hong Chong-jan (洪瓊娟), the new director of the department, who took the post on May 1.

Hong said the department has already begun monitoring variety shows and said they would also monitor news commentary and stock market programs in the coming month in response to viewer complaints.

Variety shows that feature a heavy dose of celebrity gossip have recently sparked considerable public debate.

Hong said the department will record all of the variety shows aired within the next two weeks, after which they will be examined to see if they are in violation of any regulations governing TV programming.

The department will also evaluate each program's overall quality.

The GIO is in charge of managing and monitoring TV shows under the Broadcast and Television Law (廣播電視法).

Based on Article 21 of the law, TV shows are not permitted to spread rumors or present material in a way that would disrupt law and order or damage children's mental health.

But Article 21 fails to define what would constitute those violations.

Should any programs be judged as being in violation of Article 21, the channels airing the programs could be fined between NT$5,000 and NT$20,000.

If the violation is considered serious, the channels could be fined NT$30,000 to NT$400,000.

Lee Chia-mei (李嘉梅), a senior TV producer, said that "the GIO should clearly explain the standard for evaluation. We also want to make sure that the team evaluating us will be an objective one."

Vivian Huang (黃葳葳), a professor in the Department of Radio and Television at National Chengchi University, thinks the GIO's action is necessary.

"Taiwanese society has developed a culture in which our public doesn't respect the law as other countries do.

"It's great that the government wants to aggressively manage TV shows, the contents of which are sometimes inappropriate," Huang said.