In January last year, over 430 journalists from around the globe descended on Taiwan to cover its 2024 presidential election – a record-breaking influx since the island’s first direct presidential election 28 years ago.

The surge in international media interest was expected. Taiwan, home to 23 million people, is often framed as one of the world’s most volatile geopolitical hotspots. With cross-strait tensions between Taipei and Beijing at their highest in decades, global outlets described the election as pivotal. The New York Times called it a poll “that could reshape global affairs,” while CNN speculated it “could change the world” by shifting the delicate balance between Taiwan, China, and the United States.

Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of its territory is firmly rejected in Taipei, but China has never ruled out military force to achieve unification. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains Taiwan’s most important ally and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

The journalists who travelled to Taiwan came from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, but many shared a common reliance on local fixers to navigate the nuances of Taiwanese society and politics. Fixers – locally based media professionals – play indispensable roles, from arranging interviews and handling translations to managing logistics. Yet their contributions are largely invisible to audiences and often undervalued by the journalists who hire them.

Fixers in Taiwan faced heightened demands during the election, including pressure to secure interviews with high-ranking officials or ordinary citizens expected to fit a specific narrative. Unfortunately, many fixers reported experiences of unfair pay practices, disrespect for their time and expertise, and pressure to contribute to sensationalist or pre-determined stories.

Taiwanese American journalist Clarissa Wei wrote in Foreign Policy that visiting journalists often arrived with preconceived narratives about Taiwan. “They depict the island as the centrepiece of a drama that they’ve already made up their minds about,” she wrote, “often inflating tensions and asking leading questions for heightened effect.”

In January 2024, Taiwanese fixers issued a joint statement on X, highlighting “numerous unfavourable experiences” with foreign journalists, including last-minute cancellations, requests for free services, and months-long delays in payment. These grievances are not unique to Taiwan but are worth examining given the island’s increasing importance on the global stage.

With President Lai Ching-te’s election and Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Taiwan remains a focal point for international media coverage. How, then, can foreign journalists and fixers collaborate more effectively to produce accurate and nuanced reporting? Based on 11 hours of interviews with seven experienced Taiwanese fixers, here are eight steps to achieve better foreign reportage from Taiwan.

1. Do your homework before landing in Taiwan

Fixers unanimously stressed the importance of journalists arriving prepared. This means researching Taiwan’s history, political landscape, and recent news.

“Some journalists can’t even locate Taiwan on the map,” said fixer Gladys Tsai. “They expect us to generate stories and subjects on the spot, which is unprofessional. At the end of the day, it’s their story, and they need to do their part to assist us in helping them.”

2. Avoid forcing the angle

Story angles may not always align with the realities on the ground, and journalists should be prepared to adapt. “Foreign journalists often come expecting to find panic or military preparations, but that’s not reflective of life here,” said fixer Jeff Wang.

Fixers advised journalists to accept unexpected answers rather than attempt to bend the narrative to fit preconceived ideas.

3. Verify facts with fixers

Fixers can provide essential context and clarification, particularly when translating culturally or politically sensitive terms. Tsai recounted how misinterpretations of the word “Chinese” have led to inaccurate portrayals of Taiwanese identity.

4. Give adequate lead time and detailed pitches

Detailed pitches sent well in advance allow fixers to assess the feasibility of requests and propose alternatives if needed.

Aside from the story details, the pitch should also include operational details: such as how many stories they are looking to produce, how much time they plan to spend in Taiwan, and whether they are willing to travel outside of the capital Taipei.

5. Show cultural sensitivity

Fixers urged journalists to respect Taiwanese norms, including understanding that persistence or monetary incentives cannot always secure access.

“Some journalists want a certain interview at a certain location, and when I say no, they’ll be like, ‘Can’t you just pay them some money?’” said Claire Ko. “No, we cannot do that – that’s a huge insult to the Taiwanese people. Money is not everything.”

6. Pay on time

Delayed payments remain a pervasive issue. Fixer Hugo Peng recalled waiting six months for compensation.

Foreign journalists always ask us to do so many things urgently, and we try our best, but when it comes to paying us, there is no urgency,” he said.

 Fixers called for timely and transparent payment systems as a basic professional courtesy.

7. Prioritise workers’ safety and rights

Although Taiwan is relatively safe, some assignments can place fixers in compromising situations. Tsai described being asked to arrange interviews with organised crime figures. “The journalists who made these requests are more concerned about getting a sensational or exciting story, but after they return to their home countries, I’m the one still living in Taiwan as a regular citizen,” she said.

Journalists should consider fixers’ safety and offer insurance or risk mitigation measures whenever possible.

8. Be open to telling untold stories

While geopolitical stories are important, fixers encouraged journalists to explore less-covered topics.

Edison Tseng said he often suggests stories about human rights issues, such as Taiwan’s migrant worker communities  “These are universal issues that people from any culture can relate to, and they’re important stories,” he said. Ko highlighted the success of a wildlife documentary she worked on.  “It’s just so cool to know that some foreign journalists want to tell different stories of Taiwan, to show that we have so much diversity to offer,” she said.

Conclusion

In my two-and-a-half years of covering Taiwan, I’ve learned that the insights of skilled fixers are invaluable in navigating the complexities of the island’s story. By empowering fixers with fair pay, respect, and collaboration, we enhance the quality of our reporting and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Taiwan’s place in the world.

Foreign journalists wield significant influence in shaping international perceptions. When we embrace untold stories, heed fixer feedback, and prioritise fair practices, we honour not just our profession but also the communities whose stories we aim to tell.

Taiwan’s story is their story. Let’s help them tell it well.