Political Cleansing and Channel Feuds: Sanlih's Role and Commercial Gain in CTI News Revocation

On November 18, 2020, the National Communications Commission (NCC) rejected the license renewal for CTI News, a channel known for its fierce opposition to the ruling party, effectively shutting it down. The controversial move drew heavy domestic and international criticism for damaging freedom of speech and executing a political purge. Throughout the crisis, pro-ruling-party Sanlih TV and its political programs acted as active propagandists, running non-stop coverage to attack CTI and legitimize the revocation. Immediately after CTI's eviction vacated the highly coveted 'Channel 54', Sanlih collaborated with cable operators to apply for 'Sanlih iNews' to take over the slot, seeking immense commercial and political benefits. The maneuvering exposed how Sanlih used its media influence for political elimination, only to immediately carve up the financial spoils and deepen its monopoly over cable news.