Li Yuan Rejects Political Party Intervention in PTS Board Selection, Upholding Media Independence

(Central News Agency reporter Chao Ching-yu, Taipei, 7th) The prolonged deadlock in the 8th Public Television Service (PTS) board selection became a focus of the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee today. Minister of Culture Li Yuan protested, stating that if he had to rely on political party negotiations to form the board, "I would be violating the spirit of the public broadcasting group, which has advocated for political parties, government, and military to withdraw from public media in the past."

Li Yuan stated today during interpellation by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Pei-yu that the Ministry of Culture has been misunderstood regarding the PTS board deadlock. The outside world has repeatedly suggested that political party negotiations are needed to form a new board. "I think it should be said in reverse: twice in the past 20 years, it took up to 1,000 days to form a new board, precisely because this entire system deviates from its spirit. I hope that under my tenure, we can return to the system itself."

Li Yuan stated that the Ministry of Culture had sincerely nominated 14 candidates by the end of 2025, after which 10 people were removed, 7 of whom were eligible for re-election. Subsequently, the Ministry of Culture nominated 10 more candidates, and all review committee members signed to attend, but then suddenly resigned collectively the day before. "Now they talk about responsibility and push the blame on me, saying I didn't negotiate. I cannot continue as minister like this; I must insist."

Li Yuan said that what can be communicated is to analyze these candidates nominated by the Executive Yuan to everyone, explaining which fields these candidates come from. "We emphasize youth and diversity. I am very willing to communicate with the review committee members because the review committee members represent public interest and society. Why should the review committee members, in turn, listen to the command of political parties? This is something I really cannot accept."

Li Yuan said that 20 years ago, a public broadcasting group with great ideals was established, and the rules of the game were also laid out: political parties would send socially just individuals to be elected. "But in the past 20 years, we have continuously encountered mutual obstruction. I hope we can return to the review mechanism. I deeply believe that at least our society still has a system and fairness."

DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu stated that regarding the PTS board review process, if it is further obstructed by the Legislative Yuan or even maliciously manipulated by the media, will there be no young, professional, or enthusiastic individuals willing to participate in public affairs nominated in the future? "I think this phenomenon is very likely to happen."

DPP Legislator Lin Yi-chin believes that PTS directors and supervisors continue to perform their duties in accordance with the "Foundations Act" until the 8th term directors and supervisors take office, so Hu Yuan-hui is naturally the chairman of Public Television.

Lin Yi-chin stated that the Kuomintang (KMT) has been continuously pressuring the Ministry of Culture, demanding that PTS board candidates be selected through political negotiations. This is a naked attempt to allow political party power to intervene in the media. "This is political blackmail." Lin Yi-chin emphasized that the 8 review committee members nominated by the opposition party, dissatisfied with the candidates, collectively resigned and refused to fulfill their duties. "I think if this isn't a guilty conscience, what is?"

Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Ko Chih-en questioned Li Yuan, stating that the deadlock in the PTS board re-election has been difficult for a long time, and everyone hopes to complete the re-election as soon as possible. She hopes the minister does not stray too far from public opinion. Ko Chih-en said that "political negotiation" has many methods and connotations, and should not be narrowly defined by political parties. This dichotomy does not help solve the problem.

DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao stated that Luo Ting-wei, chairman of the Education and Culture Committee, cooperated with Legislator Luo Chih-chiang to issue a directive asking the chairman to leave. "Publicly bullying cultural workers in the parliamentary hall, I am very angry and regretful." Wu Szu-yao stated that it is imperative to defend the colleagues of Public Television during this difficult transitional period. "Everyone is working hard to defend the independent, professional, and fair nature of Public Television. Proceed according to law." (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150507

Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.