Despite Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and global relevance, its English-language media ecosystem remains surprisingly compact. Thousands of English speakers reside on the island esp. in the northern cities as many of them dual nationals, returnees, or Mandarin-fluent professionals; however, the market for English language news is limited.
Still, a handful of outlets offer a rich mix of perspectives, from government-backed publications to independent voices and US-aligned business commentary.
📰 Core News Outlets
- Focus Taiwan (CNA): As the English arm of Taiwan’s Central News Agency, Focus Taiwan delivers timely coverage of politics, business, and society. It’s a reliable source for official statements, economic indicators, and diplomatic developments.
https://focustaiwan.tw - Taiwan News: With a tagline “Voice of the People, Bridge to the World,” this outlet blends hard news with cultural features and opinion pieces. It’s known for its assertive tone and broad coverage across sectors.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw - Taipei Times: A long-standing English daily, Taipei Times offers in-depth reporting and editorials, often serving as a bridge between Taiwan’s domestic affairs and international readers.
Check out Taipei Times.
🧭 Government-Affiliated Publications
- Taiwan Today and Taiwan Panorama: Both are government-sponsored and offer curated content on Taiwan’s development, culture, and international outreach. Taiwan Panorama, in particular, has a legacy feel, still in print and rich in archival material.
https://www.taiwantoday.tw and https://www.taiwan-panorama.com - TaiwanPlus News: A newer initiative aimed at global audiences, TaiwanPlus provides video-driven news and cultural programming with a modern, international tone.
https://www.taiwanplus.com/news/taiwan-news
🎙️ Broadcast & Audio
- ICRT (International Community Radio Taipei): ICRT remains the island’s only English-language radio station, offering daily news headlines, cultural segments, and music programming. It’s a staple for long-time expats and travelers.
https://www.icrt.com.tw/info_list01.php?&mlevel1=6&mlevel2=13 ICRT Radio News Headlines.
🧠 Independent & Analytical Voices
- Ketagalan Media: This outlet dives into Taiwan’s political identity, human rights, and regional dynamics. It’s especially strong on issues like labor reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and cross-strait tensions.
https://ketagalanmedia.com is another good option - New Bloom: A progressive, youth-driven publication that covers social movements, cultural critique, and Taiwan’s evolving democracy. It’s unapologetically independent and often challenges mainstream narratives.
https://newbloommag.net Independent news outlet
🌆 Lifestyle & Culture
- Travel Taipei: Run by the city government, this site offers a polished look at Taipei’s events, attractions, and cultural happenings. It’s ideal for visitors and locals seeking weekend inspiration.
https://www.travel.taipei/en
- CommonWealth (English site): A business-focused publication with thoughtful analysis on Taiwan’s economy, innovation, and leadership. The English version offers select translations of its Chinese-language features.
https://english.cw.com.tw
- AmCham Topics: Published by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, this archive-rich site provides US-centric views on Taiwan’s business climate, policy shifts, and trade relations. https://topics.amcham.com.tw
🧩 Why So Few?
The limited number of English outlets reflects Taiwan’s linguistic reality: most English speakers here are already proficient in Mandarin. Whether through heritage, education, or immersion, the need for English news is niche.
Still, for researchers, journalists, and globally engaged readers, Taiwan’s English media offers a valuable, albeit fragmented, peek into the island’s soul.