By Hope Carreon In the realm of international media, various countries have established public-funded channels to promote their nations' culture, news, and values. For instance, Korea has KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), renowned for its cultural programs and news coverage, while Japan boasts Arirang, a channel dedicated to showcasing the best of Japanese culture and current affairs. Similarly, European countries have their own public-funded channels like France 24 in France, Deutsche Welle (DW) in Germany, and the BBC World Service in the United Kingdom, all serving as cultural ambassadors on the global stage. In the Middle East, Al Jazeera has emerged as a prominent voice, providing comprehensive news coverage and insightful analysis. Al Jazeera's international reach and reputation for unbiased reporting make it a vital source of information and perspectives from the region, fostering cross-cultural understanding. Despite the global presence of public-funded channels promoting cultural exchange and international perspectives, Taiwan faced a unique challenge in establishing its own platform. Initially proposed in July 2020 as an international streaming service involving the Public Television Service (PTS), the idea faced criticism and was eventually abandoned due to concerns about potential government interference and propaganda. However, in May 2021, a new plan emerged, with the Central News Agency (CNA) taking on the responsibility of operating TaiwanPlus independently from its other operations and overseen by the Ministry of Culture (MOC). TaiwanPlus was officially launched on August 30, 2021, as a public media platform based in Taipei and has quickly gained recognition for its diverse content offerings and unique approach to international broadcasting. The platform aims to showcase for Taiwanese culture, lifestyle, and news to a global audience in English. This strategic move reflects Taiwan's desire to assert its identity and values on the global stage amidst geopolitical complexities. The platform's content spans a wide range of genres, including news, lifestyle features, technology, travel shows, entertainment programming, cultural insights, food content, and documentaries. Notably, the documentary series Road to Legacy, exploring indie pop in Taiwan, gained acclaim and received three nominations at the 57th Golden Bell Awards in 2022. Moreover, TaiwanPlus's coverage of significant events has been widely praised. The comprehensive reporting on the Taiwan election in 2023 showcased the platform's ability to provide in-depth analysis and insights into Taiwan's democratic process. The coverage not only informed viewers about the electoral landscape but also highlighted Taiwan's commitment to democratic values and transparency. In addition to political events, TaiwanPlus has covered high-profile visits, such as Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022. The platform's reporting on her visit, while serving as the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives at the time captured the significance of the event in strengthening Taiwan's international relations and garnered attention from viewers worldwide. These successful pieces of coverage demonstrated TaiwanPlus’s role as a trusted source of news and information. In the entertainment section, TaiwanPlus offers a variety of engaging shows. Happy Fisherman takes viewers on a unique voyage as Vancouver native Leo Seewald navigates his trusty fishing boat around Taiwan, showcasing the island's rich fishing culture and picturesque coastal landscapes. Additionally, viewers can tune in to The Taipei Tonight Show with Dennis Nieh for a lively and entertaining experience. This late-night talk show delves into trendy topics, vibrant culture, and thrilling entertainment, all wrapped up in one exciting package. Dennis Nieh brings his charismatic hosting style to engage guests from diverse backgrounds in insightful discussions about current affairs, culture, and entertainment on the bustling streets of Taipei.
In August 2022, TaiwanPlus made a significant stride by becoming available on local television for domestic audiences following its transfer to PTS. The official launch on October 3, 2022, marked a milestone in TaiwanPlus's journey, signaling its expansion into the local market and broader accessibility to Taiwanese content. TaiwanPlus isn't just a platform; it's a vibrant portal into the heart of Taiwanese culture, entertainment, and news, inviting audiences worldwide to explore and celebrate the island's diverse offerings. So grab your snacks, tune in, and embark on an exciting journey with TaiwanPlus through their official website, www.taiwanplus.com. a
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
|