By Meryl 高筱淇
Irene Lin, a third-year student in National Chengchi University’s (NCCU) International Master’s Program in International Communication Studies (IMICS), is not just navigating the world of academia, but instead thriving in the fast-paced world of international journalism.
As a part-time reporter at TaiwanPlus, Taiwan’s first English-language international media platform, Irene’s journey reflects the synergy between cultural insights, rigorous training, and hands-on experience.
▲As a part-time reporter at TaiwanPlus, Taiwan’s first English-language international media platform, Irene’s journey reflects the synergy between cultural insights, rigorous training, and hands-on experience. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
Launching its service on 30 August 2021, TaiwanPlus has been offering independent and impartial daily news to the Taiwanese audience in English for more than three years.
Reporters and the editorial desks at Taiwan Plus are basically formed with Taiwanese and international journalists reporting on stories from Taiwan and around the world. From Taiwan’s unique position at the nexus of geopolitics and international trade, TaiwanPlus also provides an inside look at Taiwan-China relations, with in-depth reporting and analysis.
At TaiwanPlus, Irene’s day begins with a 10 a.m. editorial meeting where assignments are distributed based on expertise, workload, and the complexity of the stories. From press conferences to live reports, her responsibilities span the full spectrum of journalistic tasks.
“Your day could include everything from writing scripts to coordinating with videographers or conducting street interviews,” she explained.
With two daily broadcasts, which are conducted at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, precision and time management are crucial. Unlike the breakneck pace of many local Taiwanese newsrooms, Irene believed TaiwanPlus prioritizes quality over sheer quantity.
▲Reporters and the editorial desks at Taiwan Plus are basically formed with Taiwanese and international journalists reporting on stories from Taiwan and around the world. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
Our stories are deeply curated, and we ensure every piece is well-written, with visuals that truly complement the narrative,” Irene shared.
This emphasis on quality starkly contrasts with Taiwanese media practices, where the drive to churn out 24/7 breaking news often results in compromises. Irene highlighted how local outlets sometimes rely on repetitive or incongruent visuals, such as mismatched footage or redundant subtitles that mirror the reporter’s narration.
“At TaiwanPlus, such mismatches would never pass the editorial review,” she said.
Having worked in a newsroom with international standards, Irene also provided a unique perspective on the differences between TaiwanPlus and traditional Taiwanese media outlets with mainly three different aspects.
In local Taiwanese media, the relentless news cycle demands constant updates, often at the expense of depth. Irene recalled instances where footage or sound bites were added purely to fill airtime.
“There’s less focus on whether the visuals truly add value to the story,” she observed.
At TaiwanPlus, by contrast, each element of a report—from the footage to the script—is meticulously curated.
“We aim to follow the standards of global networks like CNN or Al Jazeera,” Irene explained. “For instance, if we report on people scrambling for remedies during a health crisis, we ensure the visuals vividly capture the chaos.”
▲According to Irene, at TaiwanPlus, by contrast, each element of a report—from the footage to the script—is meticulously curated. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
Another defining feature of TaiwanPlus is its international focus. Unlike local outlets that primarily cater to a Taiwanese audience, TaiwanPlus targets global viewers. This requires balancing Western journalistic norms with the cultural nuances of Taiwanese stories.
Irene notes how TaiwanPlus’s multilingual newsroom fosters a unique atmosphere.
“It’s not just about reporting the news, but more about presenting Taiwan’s stories in a way that resonates with international audiences,” she said.
In Irene’s opinion, the cultural diversity at Taiwan Plus definitely ensures a broad spectrum of perspectives, enabling richer storytelling with both editors and reporters providing various angles to the news produced.
The difference between Taiwan Plus and a traditional Taiwanese news media, in Irene’s words, extends beyond editorial practices to workplace culture. Irene highlights the stark contrast between the egalitarian environment at TaiwanPlus and the hierarchical norms prevalent in many Taiwanese companies.
▲The difference between Taiwan Plus and a traditional Taiwanese news media, in Irene’s words, extends beyond editorial practices to workplace culture. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
“In local media, there’s often an unspoken expectation to work overtime or stay late to appear diligent,” she said.
At TaiwanPlus, the emphasis is on productivity and collaboration rather than performative work habits.
“There’s no need to wait until your boss leaves the office, and it’s more about delivering results, not adhering to the outdated workplace rituals,” she added.
Making a Difference Through Storytelling
Among Irene’s most impactful assignments is her work on transgender issues in Taiwan. As a beat reporter specializing in this subject, she has produced several features that delve into the legal, financial, and emotional challenges faced by transgender individuals.
One of her earliest stories covered a transgender dancer transitioning from male to female.
“It was my first self-originated story, and I was deeply involved—from scheduling interviews to gathering personal visuals of the dancer’s life,” she recalled. The piece not only showcased the dancer’s journey but also highlighted the societal barriers that transgender individuals faced.
In a more recent feature, Irene explored the financial and psychological toll of gender-affirmation surgeries. These surgeries, which can range from NT$60,000 to over NT$1 million depending on the procedures, are not covered by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI).
▲In a more recent feature, Irene explored the financial and psychological toll of gender-affirmation surgeries. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
“I wanted to show how this financial burden compounds the struggles of transgender individuals,” she shared. Her report included firsthand accounts from individuals navigating these challenges, as well as expert opinions to provide a comprehensive view of the issue.
Another story addressed the legal complexities surrounding ID gender changes. Many transgender individuals face significant hurdles in meeting Taiwan’s requirements, which include psychiatric evaluations and surgical alterations. Some are denied by registry offices, forcing them to seek court rulings.
▲Another story addressed the legal complexities surrounding ID gender changes. Many transgender individuals face significant hurdles in meeting Taiwan’s requirements, which include psychiatric evaluations and surgical alterations. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
“It’s not just a legal battle; it’s a deeply personal one,” Irene emphasized.
Her report shed light on the success rates of these cases and the emotional toll on plaintiffs in the hope of pushing both the government and the society as a whole to focus more on the handicapped situation faced by most of the members in the transgender community.
Human Stories Behind Policies
Irene’s work stands out for its emphasis on the human stories behind policy debates. In one feature, she interviewed a transgender man who underwent extensive surgeries to align his body with his identity. The process, while empowering, left him financially drained and physically exhausted.
“His story was a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in achieving equality,” she noted.
Another segment of her report examined societal perceptions of gender-inclusive bathrooms, a hot-button issue in Taiwan. Irene balanced perspectives, including concerns from cisgender women about safety and privacy, with insights from transgender individuals advocating for equal access.
“It’s about fostering understanding,” she said. “These features are meant to start conversations and challenge stereotypes.”
Her commitment to authenticity extends to her interview techniques. Whether speaking with lawyers, activists, or individuals directly affected by these issues, Irene ensures their voices take center stage.
▲Irene’s commitment to authenticity extends to her interview techniques. Whether speaking with lawyers, activists, or individuals directly affected by these issues, Irene ensures their voices take center stage. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
“Journalism isn’t just about imposing your perspective; it’s about amplifying thos of the interviewees,” she explained.
Irene’s work has also sparked conversations among TaiwanPlus’s diverse audience, which includes both Western and Mandarin-speaking viewers. While many appreciate the progressive tone of her stories, others have expressed discomfort, particularly on controversial issues like gender-inclusive bathrooms.
“Even when the feedback is mixed, it shows the story resonated,” Irene reflected. “The goal of journalism is not just to inform but to inspire thought and dialogue.”
For Irene, IMICS played a crucial role in shaping her journalism career. The program’s emphasis on media and communication provided the foundation she needed to excel in a professional newsroom.
▲For Irene, IMICS played a crucial role in shaping her journalism career. The program’s emphasis on media and communication provided the foundation she needed to excel in a professional newsroom. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
An internship opportunity with TaiwanPlus, advertised through IMICS, became her first stepping stone into broadcasting. Courses in news writing, taught by industry veterans like Michael, the CEO of TaiwanPlus, and Phil Smith, a former Reuters editor-in-chief, honed her skills.
“Their lessons on planning and storytelling were invaluable, even though they focused on print journalism, it still provided me with an insight into the industry in the very first place” she shared.
Working in a newsroom isn’t without challenges. Irene recalls her initial struggles with adapting to TaiwanPlus’s house style. Scripts she submitted were heavily edited, leading to self-doubt.
“It was tough at first, but feedback from editors helped me improve quickly, and later when we know each other’s styles well enough, we started to collaborate better,” she said.
She also faced logistical challenges, such as coordinating interviews and sourcing visuals for her stories. However, the collaborative spirit of the TaiwanPlus newsroom eased the burden.
“It’s a supportive environment where colleagues genuinely help each other succeed, and if you have a story to develop, instead of feeling the competitiveness that I might have faced in a Taiwanese local media, I felt encouragement from my colleagues to pursue stories even further, which really empowered me during work,” she said.
▲“It’s a supportive environment where colleagues genuinely help each other succeed,” Irene said. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
For students aspiring to enter journalism, Irene emphasizes the importance of adaptability and confidence. She advises honing strong writing skills and mastering the art of storytelling, especially for broadcast media.
“People care about how you present a story, not just what you’re saying,” she noted.
She also encourages aspiring journalists to embrace rejection and to try to persist until the end.
“Rejection is part of the process and it’s not a reflection of your worth but an opportunity to improve,” she said.
Irene Lin’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. At TaiwanPlus, she is not just reporting news—she’s bridging cultural divides and challenging societal norms. Her work exemplifies the transformative potential of journalism to inspire change and foster understanding.
As Irene continues to balance her academic pursuits with her professional career, she remains a beacon for aspiring journalists. Whether shedding light on marginalized communities or redefining newsroom standards, her contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on the field of journalism.
Through her lens, Taiwan’s stories reach the world, offering a unique blend of authenticity, depth, and cultural insight. And as she continues to tell these stories, Irene Lin proves that meaningful journalism is not just about delivering facts—it’s about building bridges.
▲Through her lens, Taiwan’s stories reach the world, offering a unique blend of authenticity, depth, and cultural insight. Photo courtesy of Irene Lin Nov 8, 2024
