Assessment of Taiwan Public Warning Cell Broadcast Service: Insights from an Expert Focus Group and Citizens

Abstract

This study examines how Taiwan’s central government has implemented since 2013 the Public Warning Cell Broadcast Service (CBS), which was an innovative type of disaster public warning system. The study attempts to shed light on citizens’ assessment of CBS as well as gains insights from an expert focus group. Using the 2018 citizen satisfaction survey of the public alert and warning system, this study aims specifically to analyze the influence of information communication, information delivery frequency, quality of service, and age on citizens’ assessment of CBS in Taiwan. The results of this study have implications for CBS assessment intended to improve citizens’ experience of CBS use. In addition, the study draws upon the discussion among an expert focus group regarding risk knowledge, technical monitoring and warning service, dissemination and communication of warnings, and community response capability of CBS. Based upon the expert focus group discussion, this study identifies the main service advantages and challenges in the implementation process, so that future policy planners may draw lessons from the Taiwan experience.