The South Korean government today announced plans to set up a new agency that will regulate both the broadcasting and telecom fields. The agency, tentatively named the Broadcasting and Communication Committee, could commence operation next May if the National Assembly passes the bill early next year. It would combine the functions of the Korean Broadcasting Commission (KBC) and the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC).
The hope is that the new agency will accelerate the introduction of convergence services, such as Internet protocol TV (IPTV), which was delayed due to an argument between the MIC and the KBC over who should regulate it.
Some civic groups and unionized journalists oppose the plan, concerned that it could threaten the independence of broadcasting. They are worried because the plan calls for the Broadcasting and Communication Committee to be set up under the direct control of the president, who would also be entitled to appoint five members of the committee.
The committee would select the heads of three TV stations - KBS, EBS and MBC. At the moment, appointing the station heads has been the responsibility of the independent KBC, of which the president appoints three member and the Assembly the remaining six.
However, there could still be “turf wars” under the proposed new system, as the Ministry of Culture claims it has the right to control all the segments of digital content. In this climate, the National Assembly might not pass the bill. Furthermore, the main opposition Grand National Party is opposed to the new bill in principle.
(Source: Korea Times/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)