Broadcast Evaluation Standards to Improve Accuracy and Labor Conditions

The Broadcast Media Commission is set to enhance evaluation criteria for broadcasters, focusing on preventing misinformation and improving working conditions for non-regular employees.

During its 35th plenary meeting on September 16, the commission reported on proposed amendments to the rules governing broadcast evaluations aimed at strengthening public responsibility and increasing the effectiveness and fairness of evaluations.

These amendments will take effect starting with the evaluation of broadcast performance in 2027.

The commission will place greater emphasis on broadcasters' self-initiatives to enhance fairness and objectivity. Specific evaluation metrics will be established for the operation of internal committees related to fairness. Additionally, broadcasters will conduct self-assessments of audience perceptions regarding the fairness of their programs and channels. Efforts to verify facts to prevent misinformation will also receive bonus points.

Improvements will also be made to the working conditions of non-regular employees. New evaluation criteria will be introduced to assess support systems for counseling and handling grievances, the conversion of non-regular positions to regular employment, and the proportion of non-regular workers.

The proposed amendments will undergo administrative notice starting this month. By the end of the year, the commission will also gather feedback from stakeholders regarding detailed criteria and methods for data submission.

Kim Jong-cheol, chair of the Broadcast Media Commission, stated, "This rule amendment will encourage broadcasters to fulfill their public responsibilities, such as enhancing fairness and objectivity, and will improve the effectiveness and fairness of broadcast evaluations."