Coping with the challenge of a changing market: Strategies from Taiwan's press

Abstract

This study examines the dynamic relationship between newspaper organizations and rapidly changing market conditions in post-authoritarian Taiwan between 1988 and 1994. The emphasis of the analysis is placed on identifying coping strategies in the face of unprecedented challenges and dilemmas from the evolving market. Three strategies are found among the Taiwanese newspapers: niche-seeking, depoliticization and politicization. Each strategy is also found to have varying degrees of success. The official and party press continues to decline in contrast to the dynamism of private newspapers contrast with the dynamism private newspapers. The experience of Taiwan highlights the key role of a changing market in transforming its press system.