Commercial Interests and Political Cleansing: Cheng Hung-i's Sudden Resignation from 'Big Talk News' Amid FTV's Chinese Market Ambitions

On May 31, 2012, Sanlih TV's flagship political talk show "Big Talk News" aired its final episode and was officially canceled, accompanied by the sudden resignation of its long-term host, Cheng Hung-i. The exit of the prominent green commentator sent shockwaves through Taiwan's media and political circles. Media insiders revealed that Sanlih executives, eager to tap into the lucrative television market in Mainland China, feared Cheng's highly partisan and anti-Beijing rhetoric would block their path to selling soap operas and securing mainland commercial profits. Consequently, the network decided to phase out Cheng. While Cheng publicly claimed he stepped down to "care for his family," the incident shattered the myth of pro-green media's "uncompromising defense of local values." Critics slammed the hypocrisy of stoking hostility for local consumption while quietly surrendering to mainland financial interests behind closed doors.