▲ Kim Jong-chul, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, speaks at a press conference.
The Korea Communications Commission has finalized its draft budget for next year at 297.7 billion won, a 13% increase from this year, marking its first budget formulation since its establishment.
The budget focuses on supporting the artificial intelligence (AI) transformation (AX) of the broadcasting and media industry, countering false and manipulated information, and strengthening the public's access to media.
The commission announced on September 1 that it has prepared a 2027 budget and fund operation plan totaling 297.7 billion won, an increase of 34.6 billion won (13.2%) compared to the previous year.
The budget is aimed at realizing a "basic media society" where everyone can easily and safely access media and enjoy its benefits evenly. Key allocations are distributed toward the sustainable development and innovation of the broadcasting and media industry, the creation of a safe and reliable digital environment, and the strengthening of public media sovereignty.
First, to support the AI transformation of the broadcasting and media industry, 10 billion won has been newly allocated for a "pilot project to build broadcasting and video AI training data," which processes video archives held by broadcasters into AI training data.
New projects will also be launched, including vouchers for AI-based production and editing solutions for small and medium-sized broadcasting companies, support for producing short-form broadcasting content using AI technology, and support for young interns who have received AI technology training.
The commission plans to increase research and development (R&D) budgets for AI-based broadcasting production and editing core technologies, build an integrated service platform for domestic radio broadcasters, and advance a standardization project for paid television viewership data.
Budget allocations for the operation and projects of the Information and Communications Service Transparency Center, established following the implementation of the revised Information and Communications Network Act last July, have also been reflected.
The center will perform tasks such as supporting fact-checking organizations and conducting research and education related to fact-checking.
The budget for strengthening public participation and access to media has also been expanded.
The budget for media competency education by the Korea Media Foundation has been increased to approximately 2.4 billion won, with 25 billion won allocated for the establishment of Media Centers in North Gyeongsang and North Jeolla provinces.
Budgets have also been increased for projects enhancing viewing access for people with disabilities, including the distribution of TV receivers for the hearing impaired, support for producing barrier-free broadcasts, and the development of an AI-based automated screen description system for the visually impaired.
Support for program production by regional and small-to-medium broadcasters and the Korea Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) will be expanded, and the investment in the "Digital Content Korea Fund," jointly promoted with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has been set at 5 billion won—a tenfold increase from this year.
During the government budget review process, the commission plans to consult with the National Assembly and financial authorities to secure additional funds for internet ethics education targeting all citizens, which was cut, and AI voucher support programs for vulnerable groups, which were left unfunded.
Kim Jong-chul, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, stated, "We will strengthen the public's media sovereignty, foster industrial competitiveness suited for the changing media environment, and realize a basic media society where every citizen can enjoy the benefits of media."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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