KCC to Discuss Separate Collection of KBS License Fees at Full Meeting on the 14th

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) will discuss the agenda related to the separate collection of KBS license fees at the plenary meeting on the 14th. It is expected to announce the legislative notice for the amendment of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act shortly thereafter.

On the 12th, Acting Chairman Kim Hyo-jae and standing commissioners Lee Sang-in and Kim Hyun held a closed-door meeting to discuss the agenda to be presented at the plenary meeting.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act for the separate collection of KBS license fees and other agenda items are expected to be submitted as reports to the plenary meeting. After discussing the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act at the plenary meeting, a legislative notice is expected to be issued soon.

Commissioner Kim issued a statement in the afternoon, saying, "When amending laws or enforcement decrees, it is absolutely necessary to report the need for amendments and go through various discussions and consultations. However, forgetting the independence and spirit of consensus of the KCC and presenting the agenda for the commissioners' meeting and closed-door discussions without reporting the content to the standing commissioners on the grounds of a recommendation from the Presidential Office is a serious procedural problem." He expressed opposition to the separate collection of KBS license fees and the dismissal agenda of KBS Director Yoon Seok-nyeon. He also stated, "For issues with sharply conflicting interests and significant social and political repercussions, reviewing and deciding after the formation of a five-member commission can minimize various problems that may arise later." However, it was reported that Acting Chairman Kim maintained the position that major tasks could no longer be postponed.

Regarding the dismissal agenda of Director Yoon, Commissioner Kim said, "Although the dismissal proposal was rejected at the KBS board meeting on May 31, it is wrong for two commissioners to take the lead in dismissing a director of the board who guarantees KBS's independence and fairness as protected by law," and added, "Pressure on the KBS board must stop immediately."