The Kuangchi Program Service is often referred to as the "Channel 4 television station" in the Republic of China. There are in fact only three official television channels in the country, but Kuangchi earns its title for being the largest independent production agency. It is also the oldest, starting to produce programs long before any of the three stations were established. Today, Kuangchi is a familiar name with the viewing public in Taiwan, as a result of the credits shown at the beginning of all the programs it produces. Apart from not having a transmitter, Kuangchi is a fully equipped television company in its own right. In fact, it is much more than just a program service. Commercial television broadcasts account for only a small proportion of Kuangchi's annual production of 500 programs. It also produces films, radio and other audiovisual programs for Chinese Communities all over the world, and provides technical services for outside customers. "Our main emphasis is on producing educational and cultural programs," said Father Raymond Parent, S. J., technical advisor of the service.

Father Parent admits it is difficult to draw a clear line between commercial and non-commercial programs. "We try to introduce cultural and educational elements into our commercial projects. In addition, some of our cultural and educational projects are sponsored by commercial companies."

Kuangchi is sponsored by the Catholic Church as a non-profit organization, whose purpose, as outlined by Father Jerry Martinson, S. J., the program's president, is to help improve the quality of life in Taiwan through the mass media. Although basically relying on its own financial resources, Kuangchi does receive capital investment from various organizations through the Church. Whatever profits it makes are used to make more programs and develop new projects.

Despite its current wide range of activities, Kuangchi started in a small way. In 1958, when Taiwan did not have a television station, a Catholic priest, Father Phillip Bourett, S. J., bought a set of used recording systems from a U.S. military broadcasting station, to start the Kuangchi Recording Studio, in the Taichung area of central Taiwan. Using this limited equipment, Fr. Bourett produced a "mini radio drama" which won immediate acclaim.

Even though there was still no television service, Fr. Bourett was looking ahead. He moved his studio to Taipei, and changed the name to its present one. He went on to produce what was to become the first drama aired on television in Taiwan. When the first television service was eventually established, he helped train personnel and provide equipment. Over the past 22 years, Kuangchi has produced thousands of television programs, many of which have won awards. Kuangchi has been involved in every step forward made by the local television industry. Its equipment has grown from one recording system to four television studios and two sound recording studios with the most modern facilities. The 2,500 foot Studio C in the newly completed Kuangchi Building is equipped with tape recorders, GVG professional switchers and lighting equipment with automated micro-processor console, which make it one of the most modern and sophisticated of all the studios in Taiwan. The sound studio, designed by the Sierra Audio Consultants of Los Angeles, is equipped with a 24-track sound recorder with 24-channel mixing control, which can be used for any dramatic production and for film dubbing.

One of the main aims of Kuangchi is to diversify the means of production. Explains John Hei, the program's vice president: "Television is a very expensive means of communication, and must depend on commercial sponsorship. But to uphold our aim of improving the quality of life, we must use less expensive means such as radio and slide shows. Through diversifying our means of production in this way, we can make meaningful programs at a much lower cost."

Explaining a slide show it recently made on adolescent psychology, Wang Chi, chief of the audiovisual section said: "We were not very concerned over the technical side of the production. We concentrated on getting our message across and understanding our subject, so people could see how we care in a spirit of Christian love. The program was a success."

Despite its many achievements, Kuangchi has only 120 staff, including technicians, whose average age is only 31. Many young people with a good academic background go to work at Kuangchi to obtain experience as "on-the-job" trainees. Later, many of them become leaders in the audio-visual field in Taiwan. Expanding on this role, Kuangchi has organized a series of one-month courses over the past 20 years to train professionals in the field.

[Picture Caption]

1.2. Producing children's program in Kuangchi Studios. 3. John Hei hosting a TV program, "Modern Weapons," produced by Kuangchi. 4. Fr. Bourett, S. J. in front of Kuangchi Recording studio. 5. Newly completed Kuangchi New Building.

1. Director General of the Government Information Office, Dr. James Soong, visiting the Kuangchi Studios. 2.4. Producing variety shows in the studios. 3. Children's programs being made on location.

Modern facilities of Kuangchi, showing operations in studio subcontrol room.

Producing children's program in Kuangchi Studios.

John Hei hosting a TV program, "Modern Weapons," produced by Kuangchi.

Fr. Bourett, S. J. in front of Kuangchi Recording studio.

Newly completed Kuangchi New Building.

Director General of the Government Information Office, Dr. James Soong, visiting the Kuangchi Studios.

Producing variety shows in the studios.

Children's programs being made on location.

Producing variety shows in the studios.

Modern facilities of Kuangchi, showing operations in studio subcontrol room.