Four leading Taiwanese radio stations said Monday (Oct. 2) that they have joined forces to produce a weekly singles chart starting Nov. 1.
Fifty percent of the data used in compiling the “Taiwan Music Big Alliance” chart will be based on airplay, 40% on conventional retail sales, and 10% on digital download data.
The four stations—Hit FM, Asia FM Taiwan, Apple Line and Open Studio—claim they collectively reach 90% of Taiwan’s 23 million people.
“Cooperation brings strength,” said Hit FM acting GM Eric Liang about the deal, which will also see all four stations “simultaneously” debut new singles.
“The alliance of the radio stations makes it easier for record labels to map out marketing plans,” comments Warner Music Taiwan MD Liu Tien-chien. While he says he is delighted by the stations’ decision to pool their resources, Liu adds he is concerned about the possibility of the stations upping their advertising rates.
However, Liang says advertising and pay-for-play rates “should be unchanged,” since record companies’ promotional budgets are declining due to Taiwan’s stagnant music market.
While major Taiwanese radio and TV stations as well as leading retailers such as G-Music operate their own charts, the territory does not have an authoritative nationwide music chart system.
