KCC Delays Reauthorization of 141 Terrestrial Broadcasters... "No Disadvantages for Broadcasters"

Meeting Cancellation on the Day of Permit Expiration

The reauthorization decision for major terrestrial broadcasters, including KBS 2TV, MBC·SBS UHD, regional MBC stations, and regional private broadcasters, has ultimately missed the year-end deadline.

On the morning of the 31st, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) held a plenary meeting intending to decide on the reauthorization of 141 broadcasting stations operated by 34 terrestrial broadcasters, but the meeting was abruptly canceled around midnight that day. Vice Chairman Lee Sang-in held a briefing at the Government Complex Gwacheon and stated, "There was an absolute lack of physical time to thoroughly review the materials concerning the 141 broadcasting stations operated by 34 companies and to decide on the reauthorization and its conditions, so it was unavoidable to cancel the commission meeting."

Vice Chairman Lee emphasized, "We plan to complete the reauthorization review process as soon as possible," adding, "This decision is a measure to ensure proper deliberation by the commission, so in principle, broadcasters will not suffer disadvantages due to the expiration of the period." It is reported that the KCC is carefully reviewing the applicability of various related laws, including the Broadcasting Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the Framework Act on Administrative Procedures, to this matter.

Since the validity period of the licenses for the 141 broadcasting stations operated by the 34 terrestrial broadcasters was set to expire on December 31, 2023, there were concerns about unauthorized illegal broadcasting if the reauthorization decision was not made on that day. Newly appointed Chairman Kim also stated that the most urgent issue for the KCC was "the reauthorization of terrestrial broadcasters whose license validity expires at the end of December this year." However, after reviewing the results of the screening committee through the weekend, it is understood that the commission decided to proceed carefully rather than rush.

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