TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Communications Commission said Wednesday that 50 broadcasting licenses are due to expire in the second half of 2025, as the agency continues to operate without a full commission.
According to acting Chair Chen Chung-shu (陳崇樹), the expiring licenses include those of 34 terrestrial radio stations, 15 satellite broadcasters covering 31 channels, and one cable television system. Earlier this year, licenses for 37 satellite broadcasting operators expired.
The NCC currently has three commissioners, short of the quorum required to conduct official meetings and approve regulatory matters such as license renewals. Chen said this situation is not due to any negligence on the part of the broadcasters, as license renewal processes are ongoing, according to UDN.
To protect viewer access, the NCC has notified system and platform providers to continue carrying affected channels. Cable system operators are also unable to remove channels from basic packages, as such changes require commission review.
The Legislative Yuan’s Transportation Committee on Wednesday reviewed the NCC’s frozen budget and approved the release of 10% of its operating funds, amounting to about NT$3 million (US$100,367).
NCC Secretary-General Huang Wen-che (黃文哲) said the commission's annual operating budget was cut by 50% this year. Monthly expenses average NT$7 million, meaning the partial release will allow the NCC to operate until mid-October.
Huang added that the agency is exploring ways to address the shortfall.
