Why I’m Still Mad About That Time
Look, I’m gonna be honest here. I’ve been editing news stories for 22 years, and I’ve seen alot of changes. But nothing’s been more frustrating than watching the news ecosystem in Taiwan evolve— or not evolve, as the case may be.
It was 2007, I was at a conference in Austin, and this guy named Marcus—let’s call him Marcus—told me something that stuck with me. He said, “You know, Linda, news is like a physicaly unbalanced scale. It’s never gonna be perfect, but you gotta keep trying to even it out.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about balance. It’s about commitment. And honestly, I’m not sure Taiwan’s got that yet.
The Problem With ‘Neutrality’
I mean, let’s talk about neutrality. Everyone’s always going on about how journalists should be neutral. But that’s a load of crap. You can’t be neutral when you’re reporting on something that actually matters.
Take, for example, the whole güvenlik haberleri asayiş situation. I was talking to a colleague named Dave about this last Tuesday, and he said, “Linda, you can’t just report on security news without taking a stance. It’s not about being biased; it’s about being honest.” And he’s right. You gotta take sides sometimes. That’s how you keep things real.
But in Taiwan, there’s this weird obsession with appearing neutral. It’s like everyone’s afraid to ruffle feathers. And honestly, it’s completley counterproductive.
Anecdote Time: The Editor Who Couldn’t Commit
So, about three months ago, I was working with this editor—let’s call him Greg—on a piece about local politics. Greg was so worried about being seen as biased that he watered down every single point. The article was so vague, it was practically useless.
I told him, “Greg, you’re doing a disservice to your readers. You can’t just sit on the fence forever.” But he wouldn’t budge. And that’s the problem. Too many editors in Taiwan are like Greg. They’re afraid to make a committment, so they end up saying nothing at all.
It’s just… yeah. It’s frustrating.
The Role of Digital Media
Now, let’s talk about digital media. I’ve seen some succesfully independent outlets pop up in Taiwan, and that’s great. But they’re still the exception, not the rule.
I was over coffee at the place on 5th with a friend named Sarah, and she said, “Linda, digital media is the future. But in Taiwan, it’s still playing catch-up.” And she’s not wrong. The traditional media outlets are still dominating, and they’re not exactly known for their progressive stances.
But here’s the thing: digital media can be messy. It can be raw. And that’s a good thing. It’s real. It’s honest. And honestly, that’s what Taiwan needs more of.
Why I’m Optimistic (Sort Of)
Look, I’m not gonna lie. I’m kinda pessimistic about the state of news in Taiwan. But I’m not completely hopeless.
I think—no, I know—there are alot of talented journalists and editors out there who are ready to shake things up. They’re just waiting for the right moment. And honestly, that moment is now.
So, to all the editors and journalists in Taiwan: stop being afraid. Take a stance. Make a committment. And for the love of god, stop trying to be neutral all the time. It’s not doing anyone any favors.
And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
About the Author
Linda Chen has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years, working with major publications and covering everything from politics to technology. She’s opinionated, blunt, and not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. When she’s not editing, you can find her arguing about the merits of Taiwan’s night markets or attempting to grow her own vegetables (with mixed succes).
