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New head of CTS takes a softer stance

Chiang Hsia (江霞), the new general manager of the state-controlled Chinese Television System (CTS), apologized yesterday for making controversial statements -- such as that she would ban Chinese-produced shows and pro-unification performers from the station.

"My honesty has set the media rushing about reporting on these comments. My honesty has caused turmoil and unintentionally hurt several people. I feel regret and I am apologetic," Chiang said at her inauguration yesterday.

Chiang, an outspoken Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporter, had previously told reporters that she planned to ban soap operas produced in China, as well as shows featuring several pro-unification entertainers.

In addition, local media outlets reported that Chiang had indicated on Wednesday that her appointment was a reward for her support of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Chiang yesterday denied having called for a ban on Chinese-produced soap operas, claiming that the media had misrepresented her intentions.

"I just want to create a good environment for actors and actresses," Chiang said, noting that Taiwanese pop star Chang Hui-mei (張惠妹), better known as A-mei, recently had to cancel performances in China after protests about her political positions.

"Talk of banning Chinese soap operas is a result of the media's picking and choosing from what I said. CTS will continue to show the two soap operas for which it has already signed contracts," Chiang said.

Despite Chiang's apology, her appointment has brought about accusations of cronyism.

"The DPP claims it wants to liberalize the media, and yet it has given this appointment to Chiang as a political reward. Clearly, the government is not being sincere," Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said yesterday.

"`Green' cannot be used to cure `blue,'" DPP Legislator Shen Fu-hsiung (沈富雄) said, saying that Chiang's appointment has tarnished Chen's reputation.

However, the DPP caucus' director-general, Tsai Huang-liang (蔡煌瑯), expressed confidence in Chiang.

"Chiang was just exaggerating when she called her appointment a political reward ... Her strengths are her confidence, her ability and her professionalism. As she is not a politician, it is inevitable that she will say the wrong thing sometimes.

In the future, she should work hard, speak less and prove her critics wrong," Tsai said.

Meanwhile, CTS anchorman Li Siduan (李四端) attended the inauguration despite Chiang's earlier call for him to step down as anchor and focus on training younger talent.

Meeting Chiang for the first time yesterday, Lee said that he would respect the decisions of CTS and Chiang. However, he added in English, "I will still be here."

Previous reports had quoted Lee as saying he would leave CTS if Chiang joined the station.
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