The Korea Communications Commission Grants 'Conditional' Reauthorization to LG HelloVision

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) agreed to the reauthorization of LG HelloVision by imposing conditions such as requiring compliance with election broadcasting review regulations when producing local news programs.

On the 17th, the KCC held a plenary meeting at the Government Complex Gwacheon and agreed to add and revise conditions and impose recommendations for the reauthorization of LG HelloVision (23 districts), Broadband Nowon Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Korea Cable TV Pureun Broadcasting Co., Ltd., and Geumgang Broadcasting Co., Ltd., under the Ministry of Science and ICT. Considering that LG Uplus became the largest shareholder of LG HelloVision as an IPTV operator following the acquisition of CJ HelloVision, the KCC also gathered opinions on local channel operation plans and win-win strategies. At the meeting, it was decided to add the same conditions for the merger of SK Broadband and T-broad to LG HelloVision.

According to the KCC’s reauthorization conditions, LG HelloVision must comply with the Broadcasting Act, Public Official Election Act, broadcasting review regulations, and election management rules when producing local news programs. It is also prohibited from operating regional channels and review committees on a broader scale than before reauthorization. If contracts with partner companies are terminated, the opinions of the employees of those companies must be heard to review follow-up measures. Furthermore, it was recommended that LG HelloVision establish an organic cooperation system with local broadcasting stations and local governments to ensure the production and support of community-based programs.

The KCC also approved a partial amendment to the Broadcasting Act on the same day, which subdivides the current uniform maximum fine of 30 million KRW into four levels?10 million KRW, 15 million KRW, 20 million KRW, and 30 million KRW?depending on the content and nature of the violation. The amendment will be submitted to the National Assembly around September after review by the Ministry of Government Legislation and approval by the State Council.

Additionally, the KCC revised the detailed enforcement decree of the Information and Communications Network Act, which will be implemented in August, focusing on reorganizing personal information governance and establishing grounds for delegating duties to broadcasting and telecommunications offices.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.