MBN Conditional Reapproval Granted
But 6-Month Broadcast Suspension from May 26 Next Year
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has approved MBN's 'conditional re-approval' for three years. However, since MBN received a 'six-month suspension of operations' penalty from the KCC at the end of October, it is expected to face a 'broadcast suspension' period during which it will not be able to air any programs for six months starting from May 26 next year.
On the 27th, the KCC approved MBN's 'conditional re-approval' for three years. The approval period is from December 1 to November 30, 2023. Considering the submission of improvement plans such as management transparency measures and outsourcing coexistence plans, the KCC decided on 'conditional re-approval.'
However, separate from the conditional re-approval, the six-month suspension of operations must be implemented next year. Earlier, the KCC requested a prosecution investigation in November last year regarding allegations of MBN's capital manipulation, and following a guilty verdict, imposed a 'six-month suspension of operations.' The grace period ends on May 25 next year. During this period, unless MBN files an administrative lawsuit and the court issues a stay of execution on the KCC's decision, the 'suspension of operations' decision remains valid.
A KCC official explained, "The suspension period is deferred until May 25, and the six-month broadcast suspension period will begin from May 26." Accordingly, from May 26 next year, MBN will be unable to broadcast any programs, including dramas, entertainment, and news, for six months.
In the re-approval review, the KCC included measures to hold MBN economically responsible for damages caused by the 'six-month suspension of operations' penalty and imposed a condition that the major shareholder must not interfere with the broadcaster's operations and internal personnel matters. The KCC plans to establish a dedicated organization to thoroughly monitor the implementation performance and prepare a monitoring plan including this.
Standing Commissioner Ahn Hyung-hwan said, "Although the comprehensive programming channels have increased content diversity compared to the early days, it is questionable whether they truly fulfill the role of comprehensive programming." He added, "While the position of individual operators cannot be ignored, they must perform broadcasting functions that serve public interests." Standing Commissioner Kim Hyo-jae stated, "(MBN) should deeply reflect on what the re-approval conditions mean and keep the promises made to the KCC." Vice Chairman Kim Hyun of the KCC also said, "(MBN) had issues with capital manipulation and the suspension decision. There are also points where approval conditions were not met," urging, "We call for sincere fulfillment of the conditions."
KCC Chairman Han Sang-hyuk said, "MBN's conditional re-approval is based on its declaration of willingness to implement additional improvement plans, and responsible measures should be taken. I hope this decision will lead to public accountability and become an opportunity for comprehensive programming channels to gain more trust."
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