The chairman of the Broadcasting and Communications Committee expressed regret over the limitation of citizens' viewing rights regarding JTBC's exclusive coverage of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, indicating plans for legal amendments to prevent national dissatisfaction from occurring.
The controversy surrounding JTBC's exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo has sparked discussions in the National Assembly of South Korea, particularly regarding the limitations on public viewing rights. Kim Jong-cheol, the chairman of the Broadcasting and Communications Committee, expressed his regret during a session, highlighting concerns from constituents who are unable to watch events like short track speed skating on TV. He conveyed that the current laws do not provide sufficient grounds for mandatory negotiation of broadcasting rights among media companies, prompting the need for legislative reform.
As international sports events, such as the Olympics and World Cup, typically see broadcasting rights purchased collectively by South Korea's three major networks through a system known as 'Korea Pool', the decision by JTBC to secure rights independently raised significant alarm. Following negotiations with some terrestrial broadcasters about the resale of these exclusive rights, the discussions ultimately fell apart, leading to concerns that this exclusivity would restrict access for many viewers. The Broadcasting and Communications Committee is now exploring various approaches to ensure broader access to Olympic coverage without requiring subscription services, emphasizing that universal viewing rights are central to the public's interest in media responsibility.
In addition to addressing broadcasting rights for the Olympics, Chairman Kim mentioned the push for a comprehensive media law to streamline media regulations across different government departments. This initiative aims to address the fragmented nature of media administration in South Korea, which complicates the formation of cohesive media policy. He affirmed the importance of gathering stakeholder opinions and balancing the interests of diverse parties to ensure the smooth passage of the proposed legislation, reinforcing the need for a coordinated approach to media governance as the environment evolves.
