Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee Holds First Plenary Session in Six Months...Reauthorizes Broadcasters and Resolves Key Agendas

A Total of 23 Agenda Items Reviewed and Approved

Resolution of Delays in Terrestrial Broadcaster Reauthorization

Discussion on Follow-Up Measures for the “Three Broadcasting Acts”

The Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee held its first plenary session approximately six months after its launch, handling the agenda items for the reauthorization of terrestrial and pay-TV broadcasters. The committee also began follow-up institutional arrangements for the implementation of the so-called “Three Broadcasting Acts.”

Kim Jongcheol, Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee, is striking the gavel at the '1st Plenary Meeting of 2026' held at the Government Complex Gwacheon on the 10th. Provided by the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee

On April 10, at the Government Complex Gwacheon, the committee held the “2026 1st Plenary Meeting,” during which it reviewed and resolved a total of 23 agenda items—including 12 voting items such as the reauthorization of terrestrial broadcasters, and 11 reporting items, including amendments to the enforcement ordinances of the “Three Broadcasting Acts.”

First, the committee addressed the reauthorization of 150 broadcasters—including Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)—whose licenses are up for renewal in the first half of 2024–2025. According to the review, 40 broadcasters scoring 700 points or above out of a possible 1,000 were granted a five-year license validity, and 93 broadcasters scoring between 650 and 700 points were given a four-year validity. However, for 17 broadcasters—including TBS—that scored below 650 points, the committee decided to hold hearings before determining their reauthorization status.

As for comprehensive cable TV (SO) operators, Geumgang Broadcasting, which scored 432.02 points, surpassing the standard score of 400, was granted reauthorization for the next seven years. For Pureun Broadcasting, which scored 275.53 points and did not meet the required standard, the reauthorization decision was postponed.

The committee imposed conditions on reauthorized broadcasters, requiring fulfillment of public service obligations, ensuring management transparency, revitalizing regional broadcasting, and protecting viewers. The committee also recommended improvements to the broadcast production environment, including better treatment for non-regular workers and measures to prevent workplace harassment.

On this day, the committee also reported on the presidential decrees and regulatory amendments following revisions to the “Three Broadcasting Acts” (the Broadcasting Act, the Broadcasting Culture Promotion Association Act, and the Korea Educational Broadcasting System Act). This pertains to updating subordinate regulations to reflect the intent of public broadcasting reform as stipulated in the Three Broadcasting Acts, which were promulgated and enacted in August and September of last year, respectively.

Additionally, the committee imposed a total of approximately 1.3 billion won in fines and penalties on 373 businesses that violated location information protection obligations. The committee also prepared subordinate regulations for the introduction of the “Sender Qualification Certification System,” which will preemptively verify the capabilities of bulk text message service providers to prevent illegal spam.

Furthermore, the committee decided to exempt residents of 48 areas designated as special disaster zones last summer from paying television license fees for two months. It also addressed follow-up measures related to the abolition of the Act on the Improvement of Distribution Structure of Mobile Communication Devices.

However, regarding the issue of canceling approval for the change of YTN’s largest shareholder, the committee concluded by stating that, due to the complexity and seriousness of the matter, it is only at the stage of initiating additional review for further discussion.

The committee plans to hold meetings as needed in the future to address delayed agenda items. Kim Jongcheol, Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Committee, said, “I regret that the committee has not been able to operate normally, causing inconvenience and concern to the public. Starting with today’s meeting, we will ensure that key tasks in the broadcasting, media, and communications sectors are carried out without delay.”

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