Lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling proposes NT$1.07 billion cut to culture budget, revives media promotion fund deletion

Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling has proposed a significant cut of NT$1.07 billion to the Ministry of Culture's budget, escalating a conflict over the central government's budget. This proposal includes a renewed effort to eliminate NT$47.38 million in media policy and publicity funds, alongside over 30 additional budget items affecting operational, personnel, and grant expenses.

Weng previously sought to cut the media promotion budget in the first round of proposals, which was initially reduced to a freeze of NT$8 million by the Education and Culture Committee. In the latest round, she is again proposing the full deletion of the NT$47.38 million media promotion budget. Weng contends that these expenses are non-essential given the government's high level of debt and criticizes their alleged use for "nurturing specific media and online operatives," questioning their effectiveness.

She argued that the Ministry of Culture, as a high-profile agency, receives substantial media coverage for its events and announcements, making extensive media promotion spending redundant. Weng pointed to the Golden Horse, Golden Bell, and Golden Melody Awards as examples of major events that naturally attract media attention without the need for costly external promotion.

The proposed cuts also extend to funds crucial for the arts and cultural sector, with nearly NT$250 million targeted for reduction in "grants and donations." This includes a direct cut of NT$210 million for "donations to domestic organizations." The Cultural Content Agency, responsible for internationalizing the film and television industry, also faces scrutiny. Weng questioned its investment performance, citing the film "Jing Hua" (餘燼), which reportedly had a total budget exceeding NT$60 million but garnered less than NT$6 million at the box office, leading to a proposal to cut NT$3 million and freeze 30% of its budget.

Furthermore, Weng proposed reducing personnel costs by NT$62 million, citing discrepancies between actual needs and allocated budgets. She also targeted the special allowances for the Minister of Culture and the deputy minister, totaling NT$1.179 million, criticizing their public statements. Additionally, Weng called for a reduction in the Public Television Service chairman's salary and bonus, amounting to NT$21.85 million, and proposed freezing NT$200 million of the PTV's budget, citing alleged illegal extensions of the board's term.