萬國法律事務所

The National Communications Commission (NCC) plans to conduct regular reviews of TV and broadcast operators every three years and the result of the review will be used as a material reference when the TV and broadcast operators apply to renew their licenses. By this new review mechanism, NCC may refuse to grant the license renewal to TV and broadcast operators who fail to pass the review. This will transform the license renewal process from the current formality examination to a substantive examination.

The NCC also plans to lengthen the validity period of TV and broadcasting licenses from the current six years to nine years. With the longer validity period for the licenses, the NCC expects that TV and broadcast operators will develop a healthier business model. Representative from TTV, one of the most historic TV stations in Taiwan, indicated that the longer validity period for TV licenses with a regular review will be beneficial for the business planning of existing TV stations.

As for the method to award TV and broadcasting licenses, in addition to the current panel review process, the NCC plans to allow public auctions and open bidding so as to provide different channels through which licenses may be obtained.