An effort to expel veteran broadcaster and former vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong from Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) for interviewing an opposition mayoral hopeful has ignited a dispute over media impartiality. Party leaders have since rejected the proposed expulsion, according to the Central News Agency.

KMT Central Committee member Chiang Yung-hsiung circulated a petition on Oct. 16 urging the party’s disciplinary committee to revoke Jaw’s membership. The complaint followed his interviews with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Puma Shen, who is challenging incumbent KMT Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an in November’s election, Newtalk reported.

Interviews draw criticism

Shen appeared on Jaw’s Shaokang War Room television program on Oct. 7 and his radio show on Oct. 14. After the second interview, Jaw rated Shen’s performance “seven or eight out of 10,” describing him as “quick to respond,” according to CNA’s account. Jaw said Shen’s growing prominence was worth watching but made clear he supported Chiang Wan-an’s re-election.

The petition, quoted by Newtalk, accused Jaw of “providing an exposure platform” to someone it called a “die-hard Taiwan independence separatist.” It claimed the interviews had “caused great harm to the party” during a crucial stage of the campaign. Petitioners argued that Jaw’s role as the KMT’s 2024 vice presidential nominee made his decision especially objectionable.

Jaw defends media independence

Speaking to reporters on Oct. 16, Jaw rejected the suggestion that party membership should determine whom he interviews. “I am a person first, then a media professional, and only then a KMT member,” he said in remarks reported by Newtalk.

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“A media professional can have their own stance and views, but must be fair,” Jaw said. He reiterated that he would vote for Chiang Wan-an but said it would be unreasonable to bar Shen from his programs. “If you really think I’m unfit to be a party member, you can deal with me however you wish. I don’t mind,” he added, according to Newtalk’s report.

Jaw wished the petition organizers “success” in gathering signatures and questioned whether an interview could cost the KMT an election. “Will a couple of my interviews cost the KMT the election? Am I really that important?” he asked, according to the Taipei Times.

Chiang Wan-an subsequently appeared on Jaw’s television program on Oct. 19, when they discussed the mayor’s record and policy proposals, according to TVBS.

KMT leadership rejects expulsion call

KMT Culture and Communications Committee Chairman Chen Yi-shin said on Oct. 16 that the party had contacted those involved and wanted to prevent an internal dispute from disrupting the campaign, TVBS reported. On Oct. 17, KMT Vice Chairman Lee Chien-lung said the petition represented a small number of members and that Jaw would not be expelled, according to CNA.

Chiang Wan-an also urged unity. Facing multiple challenges, party members should “stand together and work shoulder to shoulder,” he said, according to CNA’s reporting. Shen defended Jaw as well, telling Taiwan Television, “We will definitely stand by him.”

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