The recent suspension of free VOD services (FOD) by some cable TV operators, including LG HelloVision, has starkly revealed the structural problems in the Korean media industry. This goes beyond a simple service interruption, signaling the need for a fundamental reconsideration of the role and responsibilities of terrestrial broadcasting and the overall coexistence of the media ecosystem.
The suspension of FOD services was an inevitable choice for cable TV operators in the current media environment. The current structure, where terrestrial broadcasters provide their content to OTT (online video service) platforms immediately but delay it by three weeks for cable TV while demanding high usage fees, is clearly unfair.
This not only threatens the survival of cable TV operators but ultimately results in limiting viewers’ choices. Popular drama episodes can be watched immediately on OTT platforms, but cable TV viewers have to wait three weeks. Moreover, while the usage rate and preference for terrestrial content FOD are rapidly declining, high fees are still being demanded for FOD.
This situation raises fundamental questions about the raison d’être and role of terrestrial broadcasting. The position of terrestrial broadcasting means greater responsibility to the public, not privilege. They have an obligation to ensure the public’s right to know and access to diverse information as media with public duties.
However, current practices seem far from these responsibilities. Terrestrial broadcasters should provide equal service to all viewers and enable more citizens to access content through various platforms.
Terrestrial broadcasters need to move away from the confrontational view that sees paid broadcasting platforms as targets from which to extract more money. Instead, they should recognize them as mutually beneficial stakeholders and seek ways to grow together. Various cooperation methods can be considered, such as joint content production, development of advertising revenue sharing models, and cross-platform promotions.
This is not simply a moral issue, but an essential strategy for terrestrial broadcasting to survive and develop in the rapidly changing media environment. A shift in perception is necessary to gain support from the public and the government.
Furthermore, this situation demands a reconsideration of the role of the government and the National Assembly. Until now, the focus has been solely on the governance structure of broadcasters. However, it is now time to broaden the perspective and examine the overall health of the media ecosystem.
In-depth investigation and countermeasures are needed for issues such as the unilateral attitude of terrestrial broadcasters, discrimination between platforms, and the resulting infringement of viewers’ rights.
Legal measures to ensure fairness in content distribution and policies to foster coexistence among various platforms should be considered. Beyond simple system improvements, practical measures should be sought to create a fair competitive environment in the media industry and protect viewers’ rights.
Terrestrial broadcasters must face the reality of weakening content competitiveness and viewers turning away from them. Clinging to outdated business models based on past glory is a path to self-destruction, especially when losing in competition with global OTT services like Netflix and YouTube.
Instead, they should focus on building fair and reasonable cooperative relationships with various platforms and enhancing the value of their content. New attempts are needed, such as producing short-form content targeting younger audiences and high-quality dramas aimed at the global market.
It is hoped that this FOD service suspension incident will serve as a turning point for the entire Korean media industry to seek a new paradigm of cooperation and innovation. All media platforms, including terrestrial, cable TV, and OTT, should create an ecosystem where they can coexist while leveraging their respective strengths.
Measures such as activating content exchange between platforms, improving service quality through technological cooperation, and expanding the market through joint marketing can be considered. Of course, viewers’ rights and choices should be the top priority in this process.
Ultimately, the resolution of this issue will start with a change in the attitude of terrestrial broadcasters. Only when they move away from their sense of privilege, fulfill their public duties, and seek coexistence with other media platforms will a new horizon open for the Korean media industry.
The National Assembly and the government should also prepare an institutional foundation to support these changes. A new broadcasting law system suitable for the media convergence era and guidelines to ensure platform neutrality are needed.
With the cooperation and effort of all stakeholders, we can create a richer and healthier media ecosystem. This is not simply an industry issue, but an important task that will determine the quality of information distribution and democracy in our society. Now is the time for all concerned parties to put their heads together and seek forward-looking solutions.
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