The cable TV industry has sent an open letter to President Lee Jae-myung, expressing its commitment to participating in the government's initiative for a 'Media Basic Society.' The letter emphasizes the importance of protecting the public's right to information and ensuring universal access to media, while also addressing the information gap between regions and generations in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
To achieve these goals, the industry plans to unify its 8VSB services, which have been operating under different names in various regions, into a single service called 'Everyone's TV.' Additionally, they will launch 'Our Neighborhood AI Classroom' aimed at the elderly and digitally vulnerable populations. Collaborative programs will also be developed to explore the use of AI among local small businesses, traditional markets, universities, and rural areas.
The Korea Cable TV Broadcasting Association (KCTA) held a press conference on October 8 at the Garden Hotel in Mapo, Seoul, where KCTA President Hwang Hee-man, KCTA General Cable Broadcasting Operators Council Chairman Lee Han-oh, and other industry representatives were present.
In the open letter to President Lee, the industry pledged to strengthen its public role and requested the government to devise policy support measures to ensure the sustainability of local media.
The association stated, "We will not just remain beneficiaries of policies but will become partners in creating a new regional era and a Media Basic Society together. We hope the government will consider the sustainability of cable TV to ensure the protection of the public's right to information and universal media access."
KCTA outlined three main tasks to implement the Media Basic Society: strengthening local presence, ensuring universal media access, and addressing the AI information gap.
To guarantee the public's right to information, the industry will enhance its coverage and production of local news, lifestyle information, and cultural issues. This includes reporting on disaster and safety, local economies, small businesses, local elections, and community affairs, while also incorporating residents' voices in government initiatives for regional economic revitalization and administrative restructuring.
To improve media accessibility for the elderly and digitally vulnerable groups, the industry will operate the 8VSB service under the unified name 'Everyone's TV.' This service allows viewers to watch digital broadcasts without a separate set-top box and will be redefined as a service that guarantees universal media access rather than just a low-cost option.
The industry is also working on initiatives to reduce the gap between regions and generations based on AI capabilities. They plan to operate 'Our Neighborhood AI Classroom' in collaboration with local welfare centers, senior citizen colleges, and community centers, providing education on the safe and useful application of AI in daily life.
Kim Hyuk, Vice President of SK Broadband, stated, "The senior population often needs assistance at home, so we plan to approach initiatives like 'Our Neighborhood AI Classroom' from a caregiving perspective using AI. This will enable them to lead more convenient and active lives while receiving care at home."
He added, "There are various applications, including medication reminders, safety checks, and public transport calls, ensuring that users can receive AI assistance naturally in their daily lives without navigating complex smartphone applications."
The industry will also produce collaborative AI programs involving local channels across the country. The first initiative, titled 'Local AI Sovereignty: Is Our Region Prepared?' will focus on the current use of AI among local small businesses and traditional markets, the training of talent at local universities, and changes in rural and regional industries.
President Hwang stated, "For over 30 years, cable TV has recorded local news and issues that national news often overlooks. We will expand our role to ensure that no one is excluded from media based on where they live, their age, or their technological proficiency in the AI era."
The SO Council Chairman added, "We will examine whether local data, culture, language, history, and residents' stories are accurately recorded and utilized in the AI era, ensuring that new gaps do not arise between the metropolitan area and the regions. Cable TV will document and connect these changes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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