PTS Faces Over NT$1 Billion Budget Cut and Freeze! Chairman Hu Yuan-hui Offers to Forgo Salary, Urges Legislative Yuan Approval

During the Legislative Yuan's review of the 2026 annual budget, over NT$1 billion in donated funding for the Public Television Service (PTS) has been proposed for deletion and freeze, while government subsidies for the international media platform TaiwanPlus have been proposed for complete elimination. PTS Chairman Hu Yuan-hui stated on the 3rd that he is 'willing to forgo every penny of my salary' and hopes the Legislative Yuan will not cut or freeze PTS funding.

On the 3rd, Hu Yuan-hui appeared on the radio program 'POP撞新聞' and pointed out two major systemic issues currently facing PTS: funding sources and board appointment mechanisms. Regarding the delayed board selection, Hu explained that under the current system, appointments are not decided by frontline staff, and when the selection process becomes entangled in partisan politics, it becomes difficult to appoint suitable candidates. On funding, Hu suggested referencing public media models in other countries by implementing viewer fees to reduce political influence.

Hu admitted that PTS still has many areas needing improvement and understands that some legislators are offering criticism out of 'deep love and high expectations.' He expressed hope that this budget controversy could serve as an opportunity to address systemic issues, calling it a potentially constructive path forward.

Regarding the reasons behind TaiwanPlus's budget cuts, Hu noted external criticisms including insufficient app downloads, limited international reach, and inadequate journalistic professionalism, stating, 'Some things are truly not as people imagine.' He emphasized that nearly 94% of TaiwanPlus's audience is overseas, and the platform is actively pursuing expansion into Europe. He added that government officials from other countries have said they use TaiwanPlus to understand Taiwan's perspectives, and over the past five years, the platform has gradually gained recognition from international media and elite circles, making it a crucial bridge for Taiwan's international communication.

In response to criticism that PTS has been 'politicized' or 'greened,' Hu stressed that senior executives, including the chairman and general manager, cannot interfere in specific news operations. Internal guidelines are in place to safeguard journalistic independence. Hu emphasized, 'PTS will never become a mouthpiece for any political party.' While acknowledging that news production may have shortcomings, he affirmed that the organization continuously reviews its systems and culture to become a 'media outlet that strives not to make mistakes.'

Hu expressed his belief in the value of every political party and said he has maintained ongoing communication with several opposition party legislators. He called on both ruling and opposition parties to use this moment to jointly resolve issues concerning PTS's funding sources and board appointment mechanisms, stating, 'I optimistically and sincerely hope this could be the best resolution to the current freeze-and-cut crisis.'