Gov’t to Start General TV, News Stations at Year’s End

The Korea Communications Commission yesterday said the government will start general TV and news channels by year’s end and provide generous assistance to the operators of the new media.

Commission chief Choi See-joong told reporters at the body`s headquarters in downtown Seoul, “After announcing detailed plans on the general TV and news channels next month, the commission will receive applications and conduct a review.”

“There will be no favors for newspapers or other companies and applicants must undergo fierce competition.”

On the planned hike in reception fees for state-run network KBS, Choi said, “Once the issue is discussed by the KBS board of directors and approved by the regular parliamentary session, it will be resolved around early to mid-2010.”

“If that happens, KBS should not be swayed by political power or be concerned about changing the political landscape.”

suhchoi@donga.com sanhkim@donga.com