A Study of Digital Television Platforms in Taiwan by Using Ecological Models

• Main Authors: Wen-yi Hsu, 許文宜
• Other Authors: Sherman H. Hwang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/53065251529446657077

博士 === 世新大學 === 傳播研究所(含博士班) === 97 === Abstract This research constructs ecological models of digital convergence and tries to probe dynamic relationships of digital television platforms in Taiwan by using ecological models. These ecological models derived from relevant media ecology theories consist of key ecological factors for evaluating ecological correlation and balance. All key ecological factors interact with each other and evolve over time to form ecology of media. Media ecology is originated from human efforts to handle relations among humans, media, society and nature but theories in accordance with the situation of China are different from western paradigms. In Taiwan, media ecology study is an exploratory research. These cases for the research are located on digital TV platforms. There are three major TV platforms: terrestrial TV, cable TV, and IPTV in Taiwan, and Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) is the major IPTV service provider. Among the ecology of digital TV industry, ecological models include ecological factors such as technologies , markets, consumers, and policies. In addition, factors result in the evolution. This research transforms the traditional analysis of industry into ecological approach to observe the development of digital TV industry. The research methods include literature review, secondary data analysis, and in-depth interviews. There are some main results as follows: the policy is the most important driving force and affects ecological balance but does not make improvement to enhance ecological balance. Hence, the ecology of digital television platforms is not in perfect ecological balance in Taiwan. Three major TV platforms lack for blueprint, therefore, terrestrial television stations are sticking in the mud, cable TV Multiple System Operators are facing challenges of the competitive market, CHT is still confronting content problems, and competitive interactions lead three TV platforms to the low penetration rate, though the high penetration rate of cable TV to households. Based on ecological models, this study proposes an alternative perspective that examines the development of digital TV platforms from longitudinal, macro and dynamic perspectives. This research also proposes the recommendation to policy makers how to achieve a better ecological balance between digital TV platforms and internal/external environments. Hopefully, ecological models of digital convergence could be the reference of following study. Meanwhile, much more better ecological models or ideal types for investigating the interactive relationships of convergent media will be expected .