Taiwan Public Television faces NT$10 billion budget freeze

The Legislative Yuan is reviewing the 2025 central government budget and has proposed cutting or freezing more than NT$10 billion of donation funds earmarked for Taiwan's Public Television Service (PTS). Chairman Hu Yuan‑hui said he would forgo his salary if lawmakers drop the cuts, emphasizing the need for stable financing to keep news, children’s programs, documentaries and cultural shows on air.

Over 50 PTS producers have launched a petition that has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, drawing support from actors such as actress Janet, who warned that reduced funding could lower production quality and hinder Taiwan’s ability to compete with South Korea’s media industry. Golden Bell Award winner Ko Chia‑yen also joined the call for lawmakers to preserve the budget.