RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate TVBS as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent scrutiny of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and framing favoring conservative perspectives. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to a lack of sourcing transparency in some articles and the inclusion of sensational and pseudo-scientific content.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (3.9)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (4.8)
Country: Taiwan
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: TV Station
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
TVBS is Taiwan’s first satellite TV channel, launched in 1993. It played a key role in transforming Taiwan’s media landscape by introducing diversity, freedom of speech, and a platform for a wide range of viewpoints. TVBS focuses on reporting international news, producing a variety of entertainment programs, high-quality drama content, and science education. Over the years, the network has gained recognition for its commitment to technological innovation, talent cultivation, and content production.
Read our profile on Taiwan media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
TVBS is owned and operated by TVBS Media Inc., based in Taipei, Taiwan. Initially a joint venture with Hong Kong’s Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), the company became fully Taiwanese-owned in 2016 when local investors acquired TVB’s remaining shares. TVBS generates revenue through advertising, content production, and diversified business ventures, including e-commerce channels, performing arts management, and biotechnology products. Its vision focuses on expanding its media influence across the Asian market while utilizing global strategies to deliver trusted and authentic information.
Analysis / Bias
TVBS publishes a wide range of content, including political coverage, health articles, and lifestyle features. For example, a recent political article, “The Presidential Palace ‘Bonuses for Three Periods Have Been Frozen and Deleted!'” criticizes the use of state secret funds for distributing bonuses to Presidential Office staff. The article discusses public dissatisfaction, particularly among grassroots civil servants, and prominently targets Pan Menan, Secretary-General of the Presidential Office and a senior member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The framing focuses on the negative reactions from the public and civil servants, presenting quotes that praise the budget cuts as fair while offering minimal defense or alternative perspectives from the government. This coverage reflects TVBS’s Right-Center Bias, as it tends to scrutinize the ruling DPP while emphasizing public dissatisfaction.
In addition to political content, TVBS features health-related articles, such as “A 37-Year-Old Congresswoman Diagnosed with Stage 1 Lung Adenocarcinoma”, which discusses a medical case but uses sensational framing with phrases like “shocking costs” and “lucky to be found early.” While the article includes comments from medical professionals, it lacks citations or links to credible medical studies, limiting its factual reliability.
Lifestyle content, such as “2024 Horoscope Fortune Rankings”, introduces pseudo-scientific elements like astrology-based predictions. These articles are intended for entertainment and appeal to a broad audience but do not contribute to the platform’s credibility as a serious news source.
Generally, TVBS balances informative reporting on current events with entertainment-oriented and sensational content. The lack of sourcing transparency in some health articles and the inclusion of pseudo-scientific topics like horoscopes suggest a focus on reader engagement rather than journalistic rigor. However, its political coverage, particularly of the DPP, reflects a consistent Right-Center Bias through selective framing and a focus on government accountability.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate TVBS as Right-Center Biased due to its consistent scrutiny of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and framing favoring conservative perspectives. We rate its reporting as Mixed for factual accuracy due to a lack of sourcing transparency in some articles and the inclusion of sensational and pseudo-scientific content. (M. Huitsing 01/24/2025)
Source: https://www.tvbs.com.tw/
Last Updated on January 24, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources