Three Outstanding Broadcasters

In Taiwan's broadcasting circles there is no lack of outstanding there is no lack of outstanding program hosts. Their rise to fame is never an overnight affair, and behind the scenes are many dramatic stories known to only a few people.

Li Chi-chun is a slightly-built, inconspicuous man who single-handedly runs the "Chi-chun Broadcasting Company" and is highly active in the world of radio and television. His deep and powerful voice has been featured in numerous videotape dialogues.

A native of Keelung, Li first worked as a reporter for a news agency, while occasionally substitute teaching in music classes in public elementary schools. Later, Keelung's Yi Shih radio station had an opening for a program director, and Li, with recommendations from key people, at last realized his ambition of entering the world of broadcasting. Some years later, when the China Broadcasting Co. was screening applicants for anchorman, he was selected from more than 1,400 applicants. Three years ago he hosted Morning Park, The Industry and Commerce Hour and Tonight. At one time he served as anchorman for as many as five series at once, as well as being named CBC's first certified producer. Later he produced Today's Economy, Everybody's Department Store, Car Exchange and Tiger Mountain Farm. In 1975 he produced The Intellectual Hour and The Sentimental Hour. The latter has been on the air for eight years so far and is the longest-running and most well throughtout program Li has ever produced. Li believes he owes his success to broadcasting's ability to spread good ideas. As he puts it: "My foremost concern is whether the program is projecting a positive and progressive concept, its effectiveness in arousing people's minds."

Li Wen has been a strong-willed person since childhood, independent, and with a desire to distinguish herself. She has always wanted to be a broadcaster. In 1969, Li began radio dispatches for the police network and soon afterwards became hostess for a series of Chinese opera programs. Later she asked that they be replaced with a women's show, thus giving birth to I Love My Home. She talks freely on the air, never concealing her emotions, and this has earned her the nickname of the "most outstanding character in broadcasting." In order to enrich program contents, she arranges the segments herself each day. Every Thursday she presents The Classical Music Hour; and every Saturday her personal favorite, Art and Literature in the Home. She introduces books and short articles by reading them to the audience.

In 1980, Li Wen was afflicted with a nervous disorder which can only be controlled, but not cured, by drugs. Even while undergoing therapy, Li Wen manages to complete her work on each day's program before returning to the hospital. She explains: "I want to treasure every day, to make a contribution and enjoy life, because these are sources of happiness to me."

The disease has never discouraged her and each day she makes up attractively. She wants to live a full life, and be ashamed of nothing.

Hosting the nighttime show Peaceful Evening has made Ling Chen a well-known personality. In her soft and sincere voice, she introduces beautiful music which has a soothing, tranquilizing effect. Young students and their teachers are both equally impressed.

To enrich the Peaceful Evening show, she designed the "Dialogue Under the Stars" segment and invited famous personalities to appear in it. Ling Chen believes that working in the field of broadcast journalism requires one to maintain a keen sensitivity, a happy state of mind and the ability to observe one's environment.

Li Wen.

Ling Chen.