Vacancy at Gyeonggi Broadcasting... KCC Calls for New Radio Broadcasting Operators

(Former) Gyeonggi Broadcasting Voluntary Closure in March
Dedicated Gyeonggi-do Broadcasting Needed... New Operator Selection
"Challenging Environment... Stability and Competitiveness Are Important"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) is recruiting new radio broadcasting operators in the Gyeonggi-do area. It is expected to take the form of a comprehensive programming broadcaster that will inherit the 99.9MHz frequency band previously used by the former Gyeonggi Broadcasting, which voluntarily closed in March.

On the 4th, the KCC deliberated and resolved a plan to select a new radio broadcasting operator with Gyeonggi-do as the main broadcasting area at the 31st plenary meeting.

After the former Gyeonggi Broadcasting was deregistered in March last year, the KCC held five advisory meetings, one forum, and one public hearing to review the necessity of selecting a new operator. Although Gyeonggi Broadcasting received a 'conditional re-licensing' once at the end of last year, it voluntarily closed through resolutions at the board of directors and shareholders' meeting in March.

The KCC judged that a new local broadcaster capable of voicing the region is necessary, considering the comprehensive factors such as fulfilling the role of local broadcasting by providing community-based content and guaranteeing the listening rights of Gyeonggi-do residents who have been tuning in to the former Gyeonggi Broadcasting.

The policy goals include ▲ enhancing the role and responsibility of terrestrial radio broadcasting by complying with public responsibility, fairness, and public interest ▲ securing diversity of public opinion in the Gyeonggi area and contributing to the development of local culture as a trusted local broadcaster ▲ and ensuring continuous production and distribution of community-based content through stable broadcasting operations.

The frequency to be used by the new operator is 99.9MHz, the same frequency previously used by the former Gyeonggi Broadcasting, and the broadcasting area covers Gyeonggi-do and Incheon Metropolitan City (excluding Gyeyang-gu, Ganghwa, and Ongjin-gun). The broadcasting content will be comprehensive programming including news.

The initial capital size is not specified, and each operator is required to present the scale and procurement plan to evaluate appropriateness. Additionally, considering the selection of a local radio broadcasting operator, applicants must present their 'local, social, and cultural contribution achievements and realization plans,' which will also be evaluated for appropriateness. Based on the policy plan, the KCC plans to prepare the basic plan for selecting a radio broadcasting operator in the Gyeonggi area by August.

Standing Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong said, "Although the process was delayed due to advisory meetings, public hearings, and forums after last year's closure of Gyeonggi Broadcasting, a schedule for selecting a new operator has been set," adding, "I hope it proceeds smoothly as planned." Standing Commissioner Ahn Hyung-hwan also said, "The listening rights of Gyeonggi residents and unemployment issues are tasks for the commission," emphasizing, "However, given the rapid changes in the broadcasting environment and the unfavorable conditions for terrestrial broadcasting, it is important to select a stable and competitive new broadcasting operator."

Vice Chairman Kim Hyun stated, "Measures are needed to secure the right to know for Gyeonggi residents," adding, "The role of nationwide disaster broadcasting is more necessary than ever."

Chairman Han Sang-hyuk said, "Although the terrestrial broadcasting and advertising markets are shrinking and the situation is difficult, I hope the new radio broadcasting operator will revitalize the broadcasting market by providing regionally specialized broadcasting services and innovative audio services."

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