[2025 Audit] BMCC: "Strengthening Media Public Interest and Autonomy... Considering Integrated Legal Framework"

The Broadcasting Media and Communications Committee (BMCC) has identified the enhancement of media public interest and autonomy as its key tasks during its first parliamentary audit since its establishment.

Ban Sangkwon, acting chairperson of the BMCC, stated in his opening remarks at the parliamentary audit held at the National Assembly on the morning of October 14, "Following the government reorganization, the BMCC was launched on the 1st of this month. We have been newly established as an institution that actively responds to the media environment and protects users' rights and interests through ex post regulation," adding, "Our members will fulfill their roles to align with the changed responsibilities and the expectations of the public."

Yonhap News Agency

The BMCC, which was formerly the Korea Communications Commission, currently has no chairperson after the automatic dismissal of former chairperson Lee Jinsook due to the government reorganization. As a result, spokesperson Ban Sangkwon is serving as acting chairperson.

Acting chairperson Ban stated, "We intend to support amendments to broadcasting-related laws to enhance the public interest and autonomy of broadcasting media, and to establish an institutional foundation to strengthen the public functions of public broadcasters." He added, "We will implement measures to prevent the distribution of false and manipulated information to support proper media use by users, and strengthen the social responsibility of the media."

To establish a robust media ecosystem, he said, "We will pursue the development of an integrated legal framework that encompasses both traditional and new media," and continued, "We will also review outdated and unnecessary regulations to improve the overall efficiency of media policies." He further stated, "In particular, we plan to secure future growth engines by improving regulations related to broadcast advertising, programming, and pay TV."

He continued, "To enhance the competitiveness of the digital media industry, we will continue to support the overseas expansion of media content and expand the application of AI and digital technologies in the media sector." He emphasized, "To support mutually beneficial growth in the media sector, we will provide tailored support to areas in need of innovation and cooperation, such as youth media, independent production companies, and small business owners."

Acting chairperson Ban also said, "To address the negative effects of online services and AI, we will establish relevant laws and systems, and pursue legal amendments to enable the swift removal and blocking of illegal information." He added, "We will actively guarantee the rights of digital users by strengthening their freedom of choice regarding various communication services."