Taipei: The broadcasting licenses of 37 television and radio stations in Taiwan are set to expire before the end of June, threatening a possible shutdown by July unless their licenses are renewed, as indicated by the National Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday. Among the affected are International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) and TaiwanPlus, which cater to the English-speaking communities in the region.
According to Focus Taiwan, NCC Secretary-General Huang Wen-che, who also serves as the commission's spokesman, expressed the commission's current inability to decide on the renewal of these licenses due to a shortage of commissioners. The commission, which typically consists of seven members, currently operates with only three. The lack of a quorum, as mandated by Taiwan's National Communications Commission Organization Act, has prevented any meetings to address the impending expiration of multiple licenses.
Huang stated that without timely renewal, these broadcasters would be prohibited from operating under Taiwan's Radio and Television Act and Satellite Broadcasting Act. With specific channels such as MTV Live and Nick Jr facing license expiration on March 7, the NCC plans to consult with external legal advisors on February 20 to explore solutions or countermeasures to avert the shutdown of the 37 stations.
Huang further mentioned that several stations have already reached out to the NCC regarding license renewals. He emphasized that the current issue stems from the lack of commissioners, and broadcasters can seek administrative relief from the NCC. As a temporary measure, the NCC has suggested that channels might have to resort to frequency hopping, given that the law only allows temporary licenses for over-the-air channels such as Taiwan's four terrestrial television stations.
The Executive Yuan had nominated four candidates to fill the vacant commissioner positions on April 30, 2024. However, the Legislature's Transportation Committee has yet to review these nominations. The acting NCC commissioner stepped down in December, leaving the commission with four vacant seats and rendering it unable to function effectively.
