Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC) has given 62 cable TV operators the greenlight to change basic packs in the wake of Disney’s decision to kill its linear channels business. 

The NCC acknowledged the challenges in rolling out replacement channels with a similar “scale of production and broadcasting resources, talents and funds”.  

The five Disney/Nat Geo channels being replaced are National Geographic, Phoenix Chinese, Phoenix Movies, Star Movies Gold and Star World.

In a note circulated on 27 June, the NCC said it required cable TV operators to “continue conducting surveys on channel viewership rates or satisfaction as the basis for internal checks on channel planning and arrangements”. 

The last of Disney’s basic cable channels exited at midnight on 31 December 2023. 

Cable companies were given an extended deadline of 30 June to submit viewership and audience satisfaction data for their replacement channels.

The commission, which has always kept a close eye on cable rates, highlighted its ongoing commitment to consumer rights. 

In December last year, the NCC read the riot act to unnamed people fuelling speculation about domestic channel changes after Disney’s exit. This followed rumoured attempts to switch entertainment channel licenses to new operators.

Although affiliate fees in Taiwan have dropped, the linear channels market remains vibrant and a Disney-less environment has created opportunities for others.