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 objectives for the second half of the year. In response to the rapidly changing media landscape, the commission plans to completely redesign broadcasting and communication policies and initiate discussions on restructuring funding sources.
Kim Jong-cheol, chairman 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 that discussions will integrate regulatory and promotional policies, along with the legal and institutional framework, including the proposed unified media law and funding structures in the broadcasting and media sectors.
Kim highlighted the establishment of the inaugural committee's operational framework as a significant achievement over the past six months. He noted that the commission has developed operational rules and ethical guidelines to ensure stable functionality. Other key accomplishments include follow-up measures to the three broadcasting laws, amendments to the Telecommunications Network Act, and the reorganization of user protection systems following the repeal of the Device Distribution Act.
He also stressed the need for institutional reforms 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.
The BMCC is pushing for the launch of the MDC as a core initiative for the second half of the year. Ongoing discussions are taking place with relevant ministries, including the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The commission plans to expand this into a public deliberation body involving private experts, industry representatives, and civil society.
Kim noted, "The MDC is a national agenda and is currently in the early stages of discussions with the Office for Government Policy Coordination. We will set and pursue 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 shrinking and the growth of paid broadcasting slowing, the limitations of the existing funding structure have become apparent, necessitating a redesign of the long-term funding procurement system.
Kim stated, "Funding solutions for the broadcasting, media, and communications sectors are core tasks that the MDC must address. The BCDF also requires fundamental improvements in response to changes in the market environment."
He reiterated the concept of a media basic society, stating, "The idea that media has become an essential element for survival, comparable to food and shelter, is the starting point of the media basic society concept. Access to media should not be restricted due to economic disparities."
He added, "All members of the community should have free access to and utilize media. It is time for the state to consider what social and legal reforms are necessary and what financial support and infrastructure development are required."
Improvements to the structure of the paid broadcasting industry will also begin in earnest this fall. The BMCC is preparing policy directions through industry meetings and research projects, with plans to gradually unveil related measures starting in July. Kim mentioned, "We are making preparations for various issues in the broadcasting sector, including paid broadcasting, and aim to establish a detailed 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 soon. Kim stated, "The deliberation process is underway, and it may be formalized shortly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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