"Live Broadcast, The Right to Enjoy Culture Without Discrimination"

Professor Hajuyong of Inha University Presents at 'Media Leaders Forum'

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] "Enjoying quality programs without discrimination based on payment ability is one of the basic welfare rights that citizens in a democratic society should have."

As the Korean broadcasting industry rapidly reorganizes around overseas paid streaming services such as Netflix, there is a call to protect domestic real-time broadcasting, which preserves cultural identity and is responsible for cultural welfare.

Professor Ha Ju-yong of the Department of Media Communication at Inha University emphasized the importance of real-time broadcasting channels at the 'Media Leaders Forum' held on the 2nd under the theme of 'Development of the Korean Broadcasting Industry and a Healthy Real-Time Broadcasting Ecosystem,' urging the enhancement of the value of domestic real-time broadcasting channels and content as well as the establishment of support measures.

Domestic specialized programming channels (PP), terrestrial broadcasters, and paid platforms are facing a crisis of extinction due to competition from overseas online video service (OTT) companies. Terrestrial TV broadcasting revenue has been declining since 2015. Cable TV subscriptions have continuously decreased since 2013 due to the emergence of IPTV, and although IPTV has been growing since 2014, it has recently experienced a slowdown in growth and a decline in operating profit margins.

However, since real-time broadcasting holds clear value in forming and maintaining Korea's cultural identity, the issue of weakening competitiveness should not be neglected. Professor Ha emphasized, "Commercial cultural products that cater solely to consumer desires find it difficult to embrace the diverse values that make up a society," adding, "Real-time broadcasting provides citizens with opportunities to experience diverse cultures rather than merely satisfying commercial desires."

To restore the real-time broadcasting ecosystem, a virtuous cycle must be established that connects the continuous provision of quality broadcast content → revenue generation → reinvestment of resources. He stated, "Within the value chain of the broadcasting industry, it is necessary to ensure that various actors maintain ecological balance by cooperating and competing with their own designed revenue models and cost structures."

He continued, "Policies to promote rationalization of transactions within the broadcasting industry ecosystem must be quickly established to secure commercial activities and fair transaction procedures among operators necessary for the survival of real-time broadcasting services," adding, "A win-win structure between content producers and paid broadcasting platforms as distributors is also needed."

Meanwhile, the forum also discussed development plans for legacy broadcasters and the entire broadcasting ecosystem amid changes in the media environment.

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