The Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission (BMCC) is set to implement 'media basic rights' to ensure citizens' media rights in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era. Key initiatives include support for paid generative AI services aimed at vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and farmers.
On September 30, Kim Jong-cheol, chair of the BMCC, held the '39th General Meeting' at the Government Gwacheon Complex, where he approved the 'First Phase Vision and Major Policy Proposals' encompassing four main goals and 12 policy tasks, including universal access, active participation, autonomous choice, and a sustainable ecosystem.
Kim emphasized the need to move beyond a provider-centric distinction between broadcasting and telecommunications, stating, 'We must transition to a policy framework that allows citizens to freely access, actively participate in, and utilize media in a safe and trustworthy environment.'
The core objectives include enhancing universal access for all, expanding citizen-led active participation, ensuring autonomous choice based on safety and trust, and creating a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation and coexistence.
To prevent exclusion in media usage, the commission will strengthen universal access. This includes expanding support beyond just visually and hearing-impaired individuals to encompass a broader range of vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, by increasing opportunities for AI utilization. Plans are also underway to introduce an AI voucher system.
Sung Jong-won, the BMCC's Planning and Coordination Director, noted, 'The 2027 government budget includes allocations for AI-based production and editing solutions for small and micro broadcasting companies. We are preparing a three-year plan to potentially launch additional projects as early as next year or the year after, and we will work with the finance authorities and the National Assembly to expand the related budget.'
The commission will also establish an integrated platform to activate community media and connect dispersed terrestrial radio services across different regions.
Efforts will be made to expand accessible media services, improve disaster information delivery systems, and enhance the guarantee of universal viewing rights for citizens.
To promote greater media utilization among citizens, the commission plans to expand viewer media centers based on the '5 Extremes and 3 Specialties' framework, considering the characteristics of different age groups from infants to the elderly. This will include expanding AI and media education and supporting the production and creative activities of related content.
Policies to strengthen user protection will also be implemented. The existing linked information (CI) system will be improved to allow for updates, and checks on location information leaks and misuse will be intensified.
The commission is also accelerating the enactment of the 'Integrated Media Law' to adapt existing broadcasting regulations, including re-licensing and re-approval of broadcasters, paid broadcasting, and programming, to the changing market environment.
Kim stated, 'We will work to ensure that laws and regulations are future-oriented to encompass both traditional broadcasting and new media such as online video services (OTT).'
To enhance the global competitiveness of the broadcasting media industry, support will be provided for the overseas expansion of OTT services.
The BMCC plans to actively utilize specialized and special committees to systematically implement this first-phase vision. They aim to secure funding through communication with financial authorities and the National Assembly.
Kim concluded, 'To realize the newly assigned promotion functions of the BMCC as practical projects, a corresponding financial foundation must be established. We will maintain close communication with financial authorities and the National Assembly to secure the necessary resources and support for implementation.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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