Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) says that radio plays an important role in spreading democracy. He was speaking at a pre-celebration event for Taiwan’s National Broadcasting Day on Friday. The actual date of National Broadcasting Day is March 26.
Lai said that radio is essential for broadcasting important realtime information about traffic conditions, disaster relief and public health. Furthermore, he said that since the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party, radio has played an important role in spreading democratic values in Taiwan. He said he hopes that future broadcasters will continue to protect Taiwan’s democracy and work together to promote peace and prosperity.
Lai revealed that for two years he had hosted a radio show as a volunteer in Tainan sharing medical advice. Lai was a doctor before entering politics. He said that radio programs are part of the collective memories of people in Taiwan. In the past, he enjoyed listening to radio programs about martial arts novels, radio plays, and baseball games.
National Communications Commission (NCC) Chair Chen Yaw-shyang (陳耀祥) thanked radio broadcasters for their important role in sharing information about life. He also asked them to help the government fight the spread of disinformation.