Korea media regulator drafts pay-TV reform, eyes year-end final plan
Korea Communications and Media Commission has completed an internal report on a draft reform for pay-TV and plans to publish a final plan this year, according to digitaltoday.co.kr.
The Korea Communications and Media Commission has prepared a draft reform plan for paid broadcasting and completed an internal report on it, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. The regulator plans to announce a final plan to revitalize the paid broadcasting market within this year.
The commission will separately gather feedback from stakeholders, including paid broadcasting operators, in closed-door sessions. It is also reviewing major industry requests such as rate and terms regulation and the broadcasting and communications development fund.
Among the options under discussion, improving rules for supplementary services first is being cited as a realistic approach.
Background
In August, the commission launched a public-private consultative body on paid broadcasting revitalization and began discussions on regulatory reform. The body includes eight paid broadcasting platform companies — among them IPTV, system operators and satellite broadcasters — along with six program providers, or PPs. At the time, the industry named improving rate and contract-term rules that make launching new products difficult as a key task.
Quick answers
When will the final pay-TV reform plan be announced?
The Korea Communications and Media Commission plans to announce the final plan within this year.
What is included in the draft reform?
The commission is reviewing rate and terms regulation, the broadcasting and communications development fund, and improving rules for supplementary services first as a realistic option.
How will industry feedback be collected?
The commission will separately hear opinions from stakeholders such as paid broadcasting operators in closed-door sessions.