Ratings Override Journalistic Self-Discipline: FTV Morning News Fined by NCC for Broadcasting Bloody "Slapping Contest"

In December 2020, the National Communications Commission (NCC) imposed a fine of 200,000 NTD on Formosa TV (FTV) News Channel. The cause was that FTV, in an attempt to grab ratings during its "8 AM Morning News" broadcast in March, repeatedly showed violent and bloody footage of the "Russian Slapping Championship." The NCC ruled that this severely violated the requirement that news broadcast footage must be suitable for general audiences. This incident highlights how FTV News, driven by commercial interests, not only lacks basic journalistic self-discipline but also disregards the potential negative impact on morning audiences (including children), completely losing its professional integrity.