Activist Yang Rumeng backs PTS, urges public to oppose drastic budget cuts

Farmer and activist Yang Rumeng, known as the 'Rice Bomb' perpetrator, has spoken out in support of Taiwan's Public Television Service (PTS). Yang is urging the public to sign a petition against proposed budget cuts that threaten the broadcaster's operations.

Legislators from the blue and white camps are seeking to cut or freeze over NT$1 billion in government donations and subsidies for PTS in the upcoming 115th fiscal year. This proposed reduction amounts to nearly half of the total government funding allocated to PTS.

In response, the PTS board of directors and supervisors issued a statement appealing to legislators to support the budget. Yang Rumeng echoed these sentiments on Facebook, highlighting PTS's consistent effort in documenting various facets of Taiwanese life, from rural issues and land concerns to ecology, children, the elderly, and marginalized communities.

"Budgets can be supervised, but they cannot be frozen and cut by nearly half in one go, preventing those who work hard from even producing programs," Yang stated. He emphasized the need for PTS's unique role in a media landscape often filled with noise. "Taiwan already has too many noisy media outlets; we need a PTS that is willing to listen quietly and preserve the truth."

Yang concluded his post by sharing a link to the "Rescue PTS Budget" petition, encouraging widespread public participation to ensure the continued operation of a vital public service that documents and reflects Taiwanese society.

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Budgets can be supervised, but they cannot be frozen and cut by nearly half in one go, preventing those who work hard from even producing programs; Taiwan already has too many noisy media outlets, we need a PTS that is willing to listen quietly and preserve the truth.