A New Direction for the Organization and Operation of the Korean Broadcasting Commission

Abstract

The Broadcasting Act of 2000 gave birth to Korean Broadcasting Commission (KBC) as the authority of policy making, economic and ethical regulations and the promotion in broadcasting. But the vagaries of the articles of Broadcasting Act make KBC's role and its relationship with government agencies unclear. This paper reviews the problematic organizational status and structure of KBC and explores alternatives for KBC to fulfill its mandate as an independent, effective government agency. In order to become a government agency, KBC must fall legally under the auspices of the President or the Prime Minister. The four committees stipulated in the Broadcasting Act should enable the commissioners to implement policies and regulations, and perform a quasi-judicial function. The current budget of the Commission heavily relies on the Broadcasting Development Fund, which is inappropriate. The Commission should secure National Treasury funding for its operating expenses. The civilian composition of Secretariat is inappropriate and current civilian staffs should be converted to government officials. The Commission should recruit experts capable of managing the new broadcasting and communication technology.