The hardcore pro-independence political affairs program is no longer being aired, after harsh criticism of the president and alleged financial losses

Taiwan News
Date: 2019/04/24
By: Sophia Yang, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Hundreds of pro-Taiwan professionals and politicians expressed support for a suspended political talk show on Wednesday (April 24), after the program’s host claimed the television channel had experienced political interference.

Formosa TV’s (FTV) “Jeng Chin on FTV53” (政經看民視) is known for its hardcore pro-independence stance, though talk show host Dennis Peng (彭文正) had exchanged several rounds of verbal fire with the Presidential Office in recent weeks. Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) rejected Peng’s claims of political interference.

The show ended following the ousting of FTV’s politically outspoken former chairman George P. Kuo (郭倍宏). He was under attack for alleged involvement in a NT$500 million embezzlement scandal, mismanagement, and racking up outrageous costs caused by rapidly expanding political affairs programs over the past two years.

On Monday (April 22), the entire talk show crew was abruptly told to end the program. This was done while the show was still shooting, leaving the two hosts and guests surprised, embarrassed, and angry.    [FULL  STORY]