China Times Group to launch Want Bao newspaper in Taiwan

TV commercials in Taiwan are telling viewers to pick up a free pre-launch copy of Want Bao, which is scheduled to debut on 11 August, in the Commercial Times, also owned by Want Want.

Want Bao will target Taiwanese readers interested in mainland business, and will be a broadsheet sold daily at NT$10.

Robert Hsieh, CEO, ZenithOptimedia Taiwan, questioned whether Want Bao will find a readership in Taiwan and said the timing was unwise. “First, there is the recession, and then there is a longer-term decline in print, with advertisers leaving for online media,” he said. 

The China Times Group was purchased last November by Tsai Eng-meng, CEO of Want Want. The Taiwanese billionaire’s fortune came from the sale of Want Want biscuits and other snack foods in China. 

Hsieh added that China business news is easily obtained in Taiwan from other sources. “I don’t believe the intent is to make money,” said Hsieh. “I believe it is more about public opinion. Want Want has extensive business interests in China.”

Tsai’s control of Taiwan’s China Times Group gives him ownership of newspapers including the flagship China Times and Commercial Times, magazines such as China Times Weekly, and television interests CTV and CTiTV. However, the purchase has led to a run-in between Tsai and the National Communications Commission.

Last January, Tsai also purchased a stake in Hong Kong-based Asia Television.