Relaxation of Regulations on Broadcasting Channel Operators Including Radio... Restrictions on IPTV Channel Ownership Also to Be Lifted

Entry regulations for radio, data, and VOD broadcasting channel businesses (PP) will be eased from the current registration system to a notification system. Additionally, the management restrictions that prevented IPTV operators from excessively owning or exerting influence over PP channels will be abolished.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 22nd the promulgation of the amended Broadcasting Act and Internet Multimedia Broadcasting Business Act (Internet Broadcasting Act) as part of regulatory reforms to innovate the media environment.

The amended laws passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 26th of last month and were approved by the Cabinet meeting on the 15th. The main points of this amendment are as follows.

First, entry regulations for radio, data, and VOD PPs, excluding the television sector, will be relaxed from the current registration system to a notification system. Accordingly, the burden on operators such as capital and facility requirements when applying for PP has been eased to facilitate entry.

The PP management restrictions that regulated IPTV operators from excessively owning or exerting influence over PP channels will also be abolished. Previously, there was a rule that no more than one-fifth of the total number of PPs could be owned.

This amendment will enhance incentives for content investment and align regulations with those of other broadcasters (comprehensive cable broadcasters, satellite broadcasters).

Choi Junho, Director of Broadcasting Promotion Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "As the broadcasting media industry is being reorganized into a global competitive structure, the Ministry of Science and ICT will continue to actively promote regulatory improvements to strengthen the competitiveness of the broadcasting industry."

Meanwhile, the amendment will take effect on April 22, 2025, six months after the date of promulgation. The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to soon announce the presidential decree (Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act) that specifies detailed contents and procedures such as the PP notification process.