Not Wanting Want: The Anti-Media Monopoly Movement in Taiwan

The Anti-Media Monopoly Movement was a protest led by a coalition of academics, journalists and students that took place in Taiwan between 2012 and 2013. Originally opposed to Want Want China Times Media Group's monopolization of Taiwan's media, the movement addressed ideas as diverse as freedom of the press, democratic process and national identity. In the context of Taiwan's geopolitics, the threat of media monopolies was compounded by Want Want's stance on the People's Republic of China (PRC). The traditional leaders of media-themed protests were initially involved, including journalists, academics and NGOs concerned with freedom of the press. On 20 February, Shyr announced that Want Want had not met the National Communications Commission's (NCC's) conditions, so the China Network Systems (CNS) acquisition would not go ahead. A series of media takeovers in 2012 sparked debate over the ideal relationship between the media, capitalism and democracy in Taiwan.