The Broadcasting Media and Communications Commission has decided to enhance monitoring of JTBC, a comprehensive channel facing recent financial stability concerns, to protect viewer rights.
During its 18th plenary meeting held on June 18 at the Gwacheon Government Complex, the commission discussed measures related to JTBC's liquidity crisis.
Commissioner Choi Soo-young highlighted the need to address recent media reports regarding potential asset sales and changes in major shareholders, stating, "We must closely examine the materials submitted to the bankruptcy court, the status of short-term loans, and transactions between affiliates to establish response strategies for various scenarios."
Commissioner Lee Sang-geun also emphasized the necessity of directly gathering feedback from the management. Conversely, Commissioner Yoon Sung-ok cautioned against amplifying the crisis narrative, urging a careful approach to avoid increasing market anxiety.
Chairman Kim Jong-cheol stressed that the deterioration of a broadcaster's financial structure should not infringe upon viewer rights or undermine universal access to broadcasting. He noted that the commission's secretariat is currently conducting ongoing monitoring and maintaining communication with JTBC regarding data submissions.
Given that JTBC holds broadcasting rights for the upcoming World Cup, the commission expressed its commitment to ensuring that major sports content is delivered without disruption.
Additionally, the commission issued corrective orders to terrestrial broadcasters that failed to comply with conditions imposed during their previous re-licensing. KBS was found in violation of sponsorship notification obligations, while TBC and OBS were cited for non-compliance with audit and audit committee regulations.
A fine of 10 million won was imposed on IHQ, a program provider, and the commission adopted the "Media Consumer Survey" conducted by the Korea Press Foundation as the basis for calculating daily newspaper subscription rates, which will inform future broadcast audience share assessments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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