The development of media environment within the R.O.C. has deep connections with the political and social environment. Dr. Bonnie Peng opens her investigation of the role of media in three main stages: the birth of the R.O.C., through the martial law period, and the following modern period.

  Since the period of democratic revolution in China led by Dr. Sun-Yat Sen, newspapers have served as the voice of the revolutionist to spread their ideals and thoughts. After the revolution, newspapers for various purposes began to appear, including those established by the learned asking for social improvement, some as wartime newspapers. Ta Kung Pao is one of the most famous and oldest active Chinese newspapers since 1902, which operated under the motto of “no party affiliation, no political endorsement, no self-promotion, and no ignorance.” Broadcast also developed vibrantly, with around 759 recorded stations in 1936. During this period, Taiwan was under the Japanese colonization. Media was either restricted or controlled by the government. However in scholars and students in Japan, established Taiwanese culture committees and published newspapers to awaken the racial consciousness of the Taiwanese people. Other magazines and newspapers also published Taiwanese literature and local news.    

  After the R.O.C. government was forced to retreat to Taiwan, the Kuomingtang party was wary of the media, and passed laws for media censorship during the Martial Law period. The laws gave rights to police during what is named the “White Terror” to arrest media workers for “illegal” content. Many people were charged and imprisoned for publishing or reading uncensored content, and the government banned publications that may invoke social discord. A representative case of the period is Lei Chen, founder and publisher of the periodical Free China, who was falsely charged with treason and imprisoned by the Kuomintang government. Officially, the government published controlled periodicals that criticized communism and advocated governmental ideals. Other private media companies were often suppressed or forced out of business. Despite the autocratic rule, the opposition and local media still strived to make their voices heard. The Kaohsiung Incident is a significant step to a democratic media environment for the Taiwanese people.

  Once the martial law was lifted, Taiwanses media quickly blossomed, and new laws were established to fit the new media environment, but also brought about new problems in abusing rights of expression. Various newspapers such Liberty Times celebrated the localization and freedom of expression. To fit the taste of the younger generation, colored magazines such as Next Magazine focusing on gossip was published, and quickly gained popularity as well as criticism for lack of media ethics. Channel 4 TV programs were also legalized, providing more abundant choices. Yet this popular form of media is also a center tangled in politics between the KMT and DPP, two major political parties. Another important medium is the radio broadcast. Most noticeable, underground radio broadcasts provide much localized news and tailored programs with specific political affiliations. They are often a cradle for social movements, but also provide a base for illegal business transactions to take place. The freedom of media and speech has demonstrated the vigor Taiwan’s media society. However, within the competitive society, to aim for a media environment that is “no party affiliation, no political endorsement, no self-promotion, and no ignorance” as envisioned by Ta Kung Pao is still to be desired in the Taiwan society.

  Around the world, many countries see advancement in their domestic media society. Peng also envisions that Taiwan’s media society will continue to find new directions for content design in traditional media, and at the same time develop digitalized technologies for new media.