KMCC Chairman Kim Jong-cheol: "Terrestrial Broadcasters Face Harsh Survival Conditions; Asymmetric Regulations with OTT Must Be Improved"

Kim Jong-cheol, Chairman of the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), stated that amid a rapidly shifting media environment centered on OTT platforms, existing broadcasting regulations place an excessive burden on terrestrial broadcasters, prompting the commission to seek reasonable solutions.

Appearing on SBS's "Ju Young-jin's News Briefing" on October 26, Chairman Kim remarked, "As the center of gravity of the industry moves to OTT and YouTube, the survival conditions of terrestrial broadcasters have become extremely dire, and broadcasting regulations impose an excessive burden on terrestrial networks."
 
Chairman Kim emphasized, "Regulations between OTT and traditional broadcasting are highly asymmetric. There is a need to establish a legal framework that integrates and manages both old and new media."

Chairman Kim added, "There are scenes that appear freely on YouTube and OTT, yet terrestrial broadcasters are barred from showing them. I question whether such regulations are not anachronistic."
  Chairman Kim also explained the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act, which eases broadcast advertising regulations and took effect on October 16.

Chairman Kim noted, "The argument for deregulation is gaining momentum because it expands opportunities for viewers to enjoy high-quality media," adding, "We have eased rules regarding the frequency of commercial breaks, among other measures."

Chairman Kim characterized this reform as "an innovation achieved within the existing legal framework."

He further explained that the commission is expanding legislative support to transition toward a so-called 'negative regulation' system, which allows all types of advertising except those explicitly prohibited by statute.
  When asked by anchor Ju Young-jin whether the proposed Broadcasting Act revision aimed at guaranteeing universal viewing rights should also include provisions helping broadcasters negotiate more favorably, Chairman Kim responded, "Naturally, such aspects should be included. However, the primary objective is ensuring that the public can easily access events of major national interest."

Chairman Kim explained, "Compulsory measures have been incorporated into the law for this purpose."

Chairman Kim added, "Broadcasters must conduct joint negotiations to secure favorable terms in broadcasting rights negotiations."
  Regarding youth social media regulations, an issue he highlighted upon taking office, Chairman Kim said that recent G7 ministerial discussions focused on ways to strengthen international cooperation.


Chairman Kim pointed out, "The necessity of protecting adolescents from social media and the problems it causes in terms of academic and cognitive development are being scientifically proven. Platforms are encouraging excessive immersion among young people."

He added, "At the G7 ministerial meeting, nations shared research data to bolster international cooperation and coordinate joint responses."
  Chairman Kim also highlighted the four visions announced for the first term of the KMCC to mark the commission's one-year anniversary.


Explaining the background, Chairman Kim said, "As political, economic, social, and cultural life is no longer viable outside the media ecosystem, our goal is to guarantee a sound media life for every citizen."

Chairman Kim emphasized, "The core is to provide digital welfare that effectively safeguards media access rights even for disadvantaged groups."
  Chairman Kim also shared that he has been publishing weekly posts titled 'Weekly Dispatch' on his social media account to promote KMCC policies.

Chairman Kim stated, "I try to maintain an active presence on social media to promote our policies. I share these posts to convey background context and thoughts, and to gauge how well policy implementation reflects everyday life."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.