In a democratic society, the media are referred to as the fourth estate, or the fourth power, separate from the government. The media are expected to frame political issues in relation to public interests.
However, there is another kind of media figure, one that enjoys reprimanding others while refusing to be corrected, criticizing others while denying all criticism against them.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has recruited Broadcasting Corp of China (BCC) chairman Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) as its vice presidential candidate. Whether he resigns from the company is a public matter.
His resignation has everything to do with the rights of viewers and fairness for next month’s election.
Everyone needs to ask Jaw: When will you resign from BCC?
Jaw has cited the Radio and Television Act (廣播電視法) as saying that political party workers cannot be supervisors of a radio or television business, but he has applied for leave from his roles as BCC chairman and general manager, so there should not be a problem.
He also said that if there are loopholes in the law, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) should close them.
His comments might sound reasonable to some, but they are absurd on close examination.
The purpose of the act is to keep politicians and media figures independent from each other. Article 1 clearly states that the act was created to “promote the healthy development of radio/television businesses, ensure media professionalism and independence, protect the audiovisual rights and interests of the public, enhance public benefits, interests and welfare, and maintain the audiovisual diversity.”
Although the law does not say anything about political candidates needing to resign from a media corporation, this is a loophole that should be fixed by legislators rather than a political party.
The Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法) is a guide to the spirit of the radio and TV act. It says that commissioners, supervisors and staff of election commissions should resign if they become a political candidate to keep elections just and fair.
Even though Jaw has taken leave to contest the election, his identity remains in the media. He could immediately return to BCC after Jan. 13.
How can he remain impartial on matters involving the company? How can he ensure that he would not use his public office for private gain?
Election officials are required to be impartial and so are media managers given that the media is capable of influencing voters.
This is not merely a legal issue — it is an ethical and moral issue concerning the press and news media.
The law is the minimum moral standard.
Jaw said that he abides by the law and taking leave was more than he had to do.
However, as a vice presidential candidate, his behavior should set a standard for society to follow. If he resigns, nobody would be able to question him over his BCC post.
Moreover, it would help keep the election impartial and protect media ethics.
DPP legislator-at-large candidate Puma Shen (沈伯洋) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator-at-large candidate Hsu Jui-hsi (徐瑞希) have resigned from their media-related positions. The National Communications Commission should demand an explanation from Jaw for his failure to do so.
As a significant media figure and a vice presidential candidate, how can he ensure that the company he presides over maintains independence and impartiality during the election?
Chuang Sheng-rong is a lawyer.
Translated by Emma Liu
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