Operation of the Broadcast Channel Fee Improvement Council... Professor Kim Doyeon Appointed as Chairman

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 22nd that they will jointly operate the 'Broadcast Channel Fee Assessment Improvement Council' to establish reasonable improvement measures for the distribution structure of paid broadcasting usage fees.

This is due to ongoing disputes during contract processes related to broadcast channel usage fees, which are currently decided by voluntary agreements between broadcasters under existing laws, leading to broadcast interruptions and even lawsuits. As concerns about threats to viewers' rights have been raised, the need to establish reasonable preventive improvement measures has increased. This is also part of the 2021 work plan announced by the relevant ministries.

The council consists of a total of 14 members, including broadcasting academics and experts, research institutions, broadcaster organizations, and government representatives. Professor Kim Do-yeon of the Department of Media and Communication at Kookmin University serves as the chairperson.

At the first meeting scheduled for the 27th, discussions will focus on the 'Current status of the funding structure of the paid broadcasting market and the distribution method of program usage fees.' During future meetings, to gather broader opinions, consultations with external experts as well as broadcasters will be conducted.

Additionally, the council will analyze the standards for distributing paid broadcasting program usage fees, the current status and ratios of fee payments, and the content transaction market. It will also exchange views on institutional improvement measures related to program usage fees, such as fair trade between broadcasters and content providers, usage fee distribution structures, and reasonable channel contract methods.