The domestic paid broadcasting market continues to experience a decline in subscribers, following its first drop in the first half of 2024.
The Broadcasting and Communications Commission announced on May 29 that the number of paid broadcasting subscribers in the second half of last year was 36,150,070, a decrease of 76,030 from the previous half. This downward trend has persisted since the initial decline in early 2024.
Specifically, the number of IPTV subscribers in the second half of last year rose to 21,435,425, an increase of 0.46 percentage points compared to the first half.
In contrast, the number of subscribers for cable operators (SO) fell to 11,935,236, a decrease of 0.37 percentage points, while satellite broadcasting subscribers dropped to 2,679,578, down 0.1 percentage points from the first half.
By operator, KT maintained the highest number of subscribers at 9,123,463 (25.24%), followed by SK Broadband (IPTV) with 6,691,354 (18.51%), LG Uplus with 5,720,439 (15.82%), LG HelloVision with 3,391,130 (9.38%), and SK Broadband (SO) with 2,747,125 (7.60%).
Meanwhile, the paid broadcasting industry is calling for swift government policy responses due to declining subscribers and worsening profitability. According to industry sources, cable TV revenues have decreased by 33% over the past decade, with operating profits plummeting by 97%.
The burden of the broadcasting development fund is also a major concern for the industry. A representative from a cable company stated, "We are paying 168% of our operating profit towards the broadcasting development fund," adding that some cable operators are unable to meet their fund obligations.
He further emphasized, "It is urgent to implement comprehensive and effective support measures, such as reducing the broadcasting development fund, securing legal status for regional channel support, and establishing reasonable content pricing, to ensure that cable TV can maintain its unique value of regional representation and achieve sustainable growth."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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