Terrestrial UHD, Nationwide Network Construction and 50% Programming Promotion

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Currently, terrestrial ultra-high-definition (UHD) broadcasting, which is only transmitted in Seoul and metropolitan cities, will be expanded to all city and county areas nationwide by 2023. The three terrestrial broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS must raise the mandatory UHD content programming ratio to 50% by 2025.

On the 9th, the Korea Communications Commission and the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the "Policy Plan for the Activation of Terrestrial UHD Broadcasting," which includes these details.

First, the government decided to expand the terrestrial UHD broadcasting network, currently established in the metropolitan area and metropolitan cities, to city and county areas by 2023. This aims to reduce regional viewing disparities and overcome the financial difficulties of local broadcasters.

Also, based on KBS and MBC headquarters and SBS, the minimum mandatory UHD content programming ratio was adjusted in connection with the nationwide network establishment schedule: 20% by 2022, 25% by 2023, 35% by 2024, and 50% from 2025 to 2026.

Access to UHD will also be enhanced. Viewers will be supported to conveniently watch terrestrial UHD content not only through public viewing facilities and direct reception via set-top boxes but also through paid broadcasting services.

Incentives will also be provided. Starting next year, if terrestrial broadcasters provide multi-channel services (additional channels) and innovative services for public interest purposes, pilot broadcasting will be allowed through simplified procedures. The government plans to review the terrestrial UHD activation policy and impose facility and investment obligations as conditions during licensing or re-licensing examinations.

Yang Han-yeol, Director of the Broadcasting Policy Bureau at the Korea Communications Commission, said, "With the implementation of this policy plan, more viewers will receive high-quality services and diverse broadcasting services, thereby enhancing the public media welfare in the post-COVID non-face-to-face society." Oh Yong-su, Director of the Radio Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "We will strengthen cooperation with the broadcasting industry to activate the advantages of next-generation broadcasting standards, such as high definition, multi-channel, mobility, and broadcasting-telecommunication convergence."

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