East Asian politics, specifically Taiwan politics. Where to start?

Now you have an in.

A group of Taiwan-based political watchers have launched a set of English language audio and video podcasts to help open an window on the ins and outs of current affairs on Taiwan.

Taiwan Report News Brief

This is a daily look of the key news of the day with an emphasis on politics and foreign affairs. Hosted by Courtney Donovan Smith, the show highlights news reports in various publications with commentary and analysis.

Episodes runs 15 to 20 minute and drop daily (except Tuesdays) on YouTube and podcast channels.

The YouTube version is especially handy because you get a look at the articles under discussion.

Current Affairs Taiwan

The original effort by the group, this is a more in-depth discussion of key news from the previous week with commentary, context and analysis - and a fair bit of humor.

The weekly show runs about 30 minutes and is hosted by Michael Turton and Courtney Donovan Smith with occasional special guests. Turton is known for his long-running blog, The View from Taiwan (now on hiatus), and his ready wit.

Find the video version on YouTube with audio podcasts available through popular podcast channels.

The Taiwan Context

Longer form programming such as interviews and other topical subjects designed to provide a deeper dive into subjects of interest. Shows will be hosted by Sean Su, Michael Turton or Courtney Donovan Smith.

So far there's just one episode covering the Taiwan election, PRC disinformation tactics, the controversial anti-infiltration bill and more but more are planned. Episodes will run around 45 minutes and be available on YouTube and as audio podcasts.

Going Forward

Plans are in the works for podcasts and video content centering on Taiwan history and culture, all as part of the developing Taiwan Report network.

Website and Social Media

Taiwan Report content is available on Facebook and Twitter. as well as the report.tw website.

You gotta love the dog.

All the content the group publishes, article links and more.

Behind the Project

Courtney Donovan Smith is one of the founding editors of Report.tw. He is co-publisher Compass Magazine, central Taiwan correspondent for ICRT Radio, writer on politics and foreign affairs, founder of Facebook groups Taiwan Daily News in English (27,000 members) and Taiwan History (2750 members) and former Chairman of the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce. He also organizes rock festivals.

Michael Turton is a well-known commentator on Taiwan politics - and an avid cyclist. His blog, The View from Taiwan, ran for 14 years with nearly 6.5k posts and is one of the richest resources on Taiwan anywhere.

Sean Su is a long time pro-Taiwan advocate and activist, formerly an officer of FAPA - Young Professionals Group, a former Formosa Foundation ambassador, a former board member of the Taiwanese American Association of New York, a streamer during the Sunflower Movement and member of the media team, and a volunteer during the latter half of the Wild Strawberries. He is one of the co-founders of Keep Taiwan Free and the original designer and one of the keepers of the Amnesty International Taiwan English Speaking Group. Sean also works behind the scenes with various Taiwanese organizations and non-profits.