LG Smart TV No Longer Offers Free Access to Terrestrial Broadcasters' 3 Channels and CJ ENM

Free Broadcast 'LG Channel' Ends 67 Channels
Reduced from 144 to 77
LG Electronics "Will Strive to Provide Content"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Major channels affiliated with the three terrestrial broadcasters and CJ ENM, which were key content providers on LG Smart TV's free broadcasting service 'LG Channel,' are being removed one after another. This is due to requests from the content providers (CPs), i.e., the broadcasters.

According to industry sources on the 30th, the number of channels on LG Channel (domestic) will decrease from the previous 144 to 77. The 30 live channels affiliated with the three terrestrial broadcasters, which were supplied through Wavve, will be sequentially terminated starting today, and 37 CJ ENM-affiliated channels will stop broadcasting from the 1st of next month.

There is also speculation that CPs' preference for the free LG Channel has declined amid fierce content competition ignited by global online video services (OTT). An industry insider said, "The decision to broadcast lies with the CPs," adding, "They likely considered the continuous price increases and the strategic advantages and disadvantages depending on the content distribution platform."

LG Channel currently operates by signing contracts with local CPs in 25 countries worldwide and broadcasting content. It allows viewers to watch various channels for free on smart TVs running the webOS TV operating system connected to the internet, without a separate set-top box, serving as an alternative to fill gaps when paid broadcasting services like IPTV are unavailable.

This is a painful point for LG Electronics, which is strengthening smart TV content through attracting external applications (apps). LG Electronics has announced plans to offer Disney Plus, Vudu, Pandora, HBO Max, Sling TV, and others on smart TVs within this year.

An LG Electronics representative said, "Due to the nature of free broadcasting services, channel changes may occur depending on the circumstances of content providers," and added, "We will continue to strive to provide content tailored to customer preferences through LG Channel."