Criticism of Half-Meeting Without Terrestrial and General Programming PP
"Hurrying to Operate Roundtable... Establishing Standards"
Minister of Science and ICT nominee Lee Jong-ho appeared at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and responded to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Amid disputes between pay-TV and content industries over content compensation calculation issues, Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho announced on the 10th, "We will expedite the operation of the roundtable (consultative body for establishing content compensation standards) this year and establish concrete compensation standards by the end of the year at the latest."
In a written response submitted to the National Assembly after the confirmation hearing, Minister Lee stated in response to a question from Woo Sang-ho, a member of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, "We plan to continuously consult with related ministries and operators such as terrestrial broadcasters, terrestrial and news/general programming channels (PPs) to ensure that all stakeholders within the roundtable can participate," conveying this intention.
Although a roundtable for establishing content compensation standards was set up in March through the Ministry of Science and ICT, the competent ministry, issues regarding the effectiveness of discussions arose as general programming PPs and the Korea Communications Commission did not attend the meetings. Only IPTV three companies, cable TV three companies, and CJ ENM participated in the preliminary meeting, leading to evaluations that the meeting itself became a 'half-meeting.' Despite the Ministry of Science and ICT's policy to derive institutional improvement plans within the year, the process has effectively been stalled.
Regarding questions about capabilities in the media sector, Minister Lee humbly responded, "Thank you for pointing out the overall situation and difficult issues," adding, "Based on my experience and insight in the media field, I will actively communicate with stakeholders and experts and comprehensively reflect opinions to make timely decisions."
Meanwhile, on the same day, President Yoon Suk-yeol officially appointed seven cabinet members, including Minister Lee Jong-ho, whose confirmation reports were adopted by the National Assembly, at the Yongsan Presidential Office building.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
