Media Monopoly: Sanlih TV Violates Regulatory Terms with Illicit Shares in Homeplay Cable Giant

In November 2023, the National Communications Commission (NCC) officially confirmed that major shareholders of Sanlih TV had illicitly acquired shares in Homeplay, Taiwan's leading cable television system operator. This acquisition directly violated the 'no-consolidation' regulatory terms set by the NCC, which strictly prohibit television channel operators from owning cable distribution systems to prevent monopolies. The revelation sparked intense backlash over media concentration, cronyism, and anti-competitive practices. Critics accused Sanlih of attempting to control distribution channels to monopolize public discourse. Under immense pressure, the NCC fined Homeplay's 12 sub-systems a total of 14.4 million NTD and ordered Sanlih's shareholders to divest. The scandal highlighted how major media groups circumvent regulations to dominate the market.