The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission (BMCC) has identified the launch of the Media Development Committee (MDC) and the promotion of a media basic society as key policy initiatives for the second half of the year. In response to the rapidly changing media landscape, the commission plans to completely redesign broadcasting and communications policies and initiate discussions on restructuring funding sources.
Kim Jong-cheol, chair of the BMCC, stated at a press conference on June 15 that the establishment of the MDC is a crucial policy tool for realizing media sovereignty. He emphasized the need for integrated discussions on regulatory and promotional policies, including the legal and institutional foundations such as the Integrated Media Act and the funding structure in the broadcasting and media sectors.
Kim highlighted the establishment of the inaugural committee's operational system as a significant achievement over the past six months. He noted that the commission has laid a stable foundation by preparing operational rules and ethical guidelines. Other key accomplishments include follow-up measures for the three broadcasting laws, amendments to the Telecommunications Act, and the restructuring of user protection systems following the repeal of the Device Distribution Act.
He also stressed the necessity of reforming regulations to adapt to changes in the media environment. "Media is no longer just a cultural consumption area; it is an essential foundation that supports the daily lives of citizens," Kim said, underscoring the importance of establishing future media policy directions in the face of rapid changes in the media landscape.
The BMCC is moving forward with the launch of the MDC as a key initiative for the second half of the year. It is currently in discussions with relevant ministries, including the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and plans to expand into a public forum involving private experts, industry representatives, and civil society.
Kim noted, "The MDC is a national agenda and is currently in the initial stages of consultation with the Office for Government Policy Coordination. We will set and promote key tasks to create a media ecosystem suitable for a media basic society."
Discussions on restructuring the Broadcasting and Communications Development Fund (BCDF) are also expected to be a major agenda item for the MDC. With the advertising market contraction and the slowdown in the growth of paid broadcasting revealing limitations in the existing funding structure, there is a need to redesign a long-term funding procurement system.
Kim stated, "Funding solutions for the broadcasting, media, and communications sectors are core issues that the MDC must address. The BCDF also requires fundamental improvements in response to changes in market conditions."
He reiterated the concept of a media basic society, stating, "The starting point of the media basic society concept is that media has become an essential element for survival, comparable to food, clothing, and shelter. Access to media should not be restricted due to economic differences."
He added, "All members of the community should have free access to and utilization of media. It is time for the state to consider what social and legal adjustments are necessary and what financial support and infrastructure development are needed."
Improvements to the structure of the paid broadcasting industry will also be actively pursued starting in the second half of the year. The BMCC is preparing policy directions through industry meetings and research projects, with plans to gradually unveil related measures beginning in July. Kim mentioned, "We are making preparations for various issues in the broadcasting sector, including paid broadcasting, and aim to establish a detailed step-by-step roadmap by the end of the year."
The BMCC also plans to initiate procedures for imposing fines related to Google's and Apple's mandatory in-app payment practices. Kim stated, "The deliberation process is ongoing, and it could be formalized soon."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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