Teledifusão de Macau (TDM) represents the state-owned broadcasting company in Macau. The network offers content in both Chinese and Portuguese, in addition to programs in English and Bahasa Indonesia. TDM’s broadcasts include eight mainland Chinese television channels, all of which are under Beijing’s control, as well as six local television stations. Additionally, TDM oversees the operations of Radio Macau.
Media assets
Television: TDM Ou Mun, Canal Macau, TDM Sport, TDM Information, TDM Entertainment, TDM Macau World
Radio: Radio Macau
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
TDM is a corporation wholly owned by the government of the Special Administrative Region of Macau. The members of the TDM Council of Administration are appointed by the Chief Executive, who serves as the head of government of Macau.
Source of funding and budget
The majority of TDM’s budget is derived from the local government, namely the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. In 2020, TDM received state subsidies amounting to a total of MOP 365m (equivalent to US$ 45.6m). Additionally, the station generated revenue amounting to MOP 90.6m (US$11.3m).
A company report indicates that in 2022, TDM received state subsidies in excess of MOP 314m (US$ 38.9m). This figure represents a slight decrease in comparison to the amount received in 2021. In 2023, TDM was awarded a government subsidy of MOP 311m (US$ 38.6m), according to a company report.
Editorial independence
TDM previously enjoyed a reasonable degree of editorial autonomy, but in recent years, it has faced mounting censorship from Beijing (through the local government). In spring 2021, the TDM executive committee introduced a set of editorial rules that prohibit reporters from criticizing the authorities.
In the wake of the implementation of these revised editorial guidelines, a number of journalists at the station have chosen to tender their resignations. Over the past year, journalists at the station have reported that censorship has become a standard practice. In the past two years, numerous reports have emerged concerning the government’s imposition of editorial directives on TDM.
There is currently no domestic statute or independent assessment mechanism in place to validate TDM’s editorial independence.
September 2024