Sat, Mar 06, 2004 page8

• Editorial: The spin is no longer believable

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  For most in the international audience, the hottest issue in the March 20 election lies largely in the impact the referendum will have on the triangular relationship between Taipei, Washington and Beijing. They must be confused,then, by the fact that it is a convicted fugitive, not the presidential candidates, who has been attracting most of the media attention in recent weeks.

  Why is the Chinese-language media so preoccupied by former Tuntex Chen Yu-hao (陳由豪) and his myriad of accusations against President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and his family? Why should voters care about what one of the nation's most wanted fugitives has described as a political persecution campaign against him by the government?

  The Cabinet announced a NT$10 million reward for information leading to Chen Yu-hao's capture last year. He is wanted for embezzlement and fled Taiwan leaving outstanding bank debts amounting to several billion dollars. As is so often the case, the media have been happy to air his accusations without demanding he provide concrete proof of his stories first. He has an axe to grind with the administration and has chosen the most sensitive time to launch an offensive and the media has been happy to play along.

  Politicians and officials often float trial balloons in the media or spread rumors to smear their rivals. Rarely do journalists in this country ask for proof; few appear to ask any hard questions. Politicians and others can state the most absurd statistics and never worry about being challenged. This kind of spectacle must make outsiders question the media circus that has developed since the lifting of martial law.

  The public lives in a real world filled with hopes, fears, dreams and anxieties. But they are not very good at figuring out what to do about them. Sometimes the media plays the role of bringing the private pains and needs of real people to public attention. However, the media isn't very good at prioritizing the public's concerns or figuring out what to do about them, especially when it comes to the question of commercial interests.

  So they go for the easy stories. Most local media seemed to have no choice but to dance to Chen Yu-hao's tune. He initially faxed three letters to some pan-blue camp legislators and followed them up with newspaper and radio interviews. He promised details and facts -- but they were always to be delivered later. Because of the biased media culture that exists in this country, all parties related to the case fell into the typical cycle of political maneuvering. As a result, the credibility of the politicians and the media is even lower.

  In its hubris, the media overestimates its power over the public. Reporters, call-in talk show hosts and people such as Chen Yu-hao think they can drive issues to the top of the list of the public's priorities. Yet, the evidence showed that it is often the public who decides on its priorities quite independently of the media.

  Most people are quite clear about Chen Yu-hao's motives, regardless of what the media says. Ultimately, the public knows best . People have become suspicious of the media and increasingly sophisticated in recognizing its attempts at manipulation. The public now sees the media as a kind of special-interest group, no more objective than or independent of any other social groups in presenting its view. The wisdom of the Taiwanese people should not be underestimated.
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