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GIO probe does not threaten press freedom, Hsieh says
DENIAL:
The premier said the GIO was looking into the shareholders and debts of TVBS, which broadcasts a talk show that has recently been critical of the government
By Jimmy Chuang
STAFF REPORTER
Thursday, Nov 03, 2005, Page 3
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Government Information Office Minister Pasuya Yao answers questions from the media at the legislature yesterday over the shareholder structure of cable station TVBS.
PHOTO: CNA
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The Government Information Office's (GIO) investigation of TVBS is to remind the media to obey the law and has nothing to do with suppressing freedom of speech or the freedom of the press, Premier Frank Hsieh (Áªø§Ê) said yesterday.
"The GIO is merely investigating the background of TVBS shareholders and whether the company owes any debts to the government," Hsieh said during the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday morning.
Although President Chen Shui-bian (³¯¤ô«ó) promised on Tuesday that the government would not terminate any TV station during his presidency, Hsieh expressed support for GIO Minister Pasuya Yao's («À¤å´¼) decision to go after TVBS.
The move was regarded by some as revenge by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government after 2100 Quan Min Kai Jiang (Speaking Your Mind at 2100), a TVBS talk show, publicized evidence of alleged scandals involving the government last week.
According to the GIO, TVBS' foreign shareholdings are in violation of the law, which stipulates that foreigners' holdings in a station or newspaper cannot exceed 50 percent.
The GIO is authorized to fine violators between NT$200,000 and NT$2 million, or even take away their operating licenses. The fine can also be repeated.
In response to the GIO's statements, TVBS said in a statement issued over the weekend that its structure was legal.
While Hsieh said the GIO's move against TVBS had nothing to do with the station's talk show, other comments he made yesterday seemed to imply a connection.
"It is a talk show instead of a news program. So what we are doing now is definitely not suppressing the freedom of the press," Hsieh said.
During the press conference after the weekly meeting, Cabinet Secretary-General and Spokesman Cho Jung-tai (¨ôºa®õ) said the issue concerned an investigation into a TV station, not the government constricting the media.
"The issue has been over-exaggerated," Cho said.
"[The company should] reshuffle its shareholders if they are not qualified. Pay off debts if there are any. If these two things are done, the station will remain and nothing will change," Cho said.
"Currently, we are trying to figure out if there is anything wrong. That's it. We do not have to exaggerate it. Really," Cho said.
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