Abstract

There are many ways to propagate government decrees and directives. Advertisement should not be one of them.

None of the advanced democracies in the world would allow the government to buy advertisements to "sell" itself to the electorate.

One prominent example may be cited. When the U.S. Information Agency was set up in 1953, it was only allowed to engage in international propaganda and statutorily prohibited to disseminate any government promotional materials at home.

Recently the Government Information Office made it known that it plans to buy a whole lot of multimedia advertisement with public funds with a view to publicizing the decrees and measures effectuated by the incumbent DPP Administration. This could become a form of "bribery" with an ulterior purpose of securing the media support for the ruling party in the coming presidential election.

There are many other ways to disseminate public information. We are not opposing such vehicles as outdoor billboards, airport photos, publications or public forums. What is needed is an open and clear demarcation between the government propaganda and the integrity of the press and media.

After all, the mission of GIO is to enhance the external image of the Republic of China on Taiwan. It offers public information to foreign audience, but not government image to the electorate at home. The media will note and tell how the government is performing. There is no need for the GIO to sing the praise for the government and offer “guidance” to the people.

.....the full text in chinese