[E-Daily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] Starting next year, broadcasters’ efforts to prevent misreporting and improve working conditions for non-regular employees will be reflected in broadcast evaluations. Evaluations of self-regulatory efforts—such as internal initiatives to strengthen fairness and viewer perception surveys—will also be refined.

The Korea Communications Commission reported a draft amendment to the “Rules on Broadcasting Evaluation” containing these provisions at its “35th Plenary Session for 2026,” held on the 16th.

The amendments will be finalized following a public notice period and a review of feedback from broadcasters, and are scheduled to take effect starting with the 2027 broadcast performance evaluation.

Up to 10 Bonus Points for Preventing Misreporting

Among the new evaluation criteria, fact-checking efforts stand out.

The KCC has decided to award up to 10 bonus points by evaluating whether broadcasters operate a fact-checking system, disclose relevant guidelines, have a system in place for reporting inaccuracies, and take appropriate measures following the occurrence of inaccuracies.

The evaluation of broadcasters’ internal fairness committees will also be strengthened. The assessment will cover not only the frequency of meetings but also whether responsible officials attend, whether meeting results are disclosed internally, and whether the discussed actions are implemented.

Whether a broadcaster has conducted viewer perception surveys regarding the fairness of its programs or channels will also be factored into the evaluation.

Efforts to Improve Conditions for Non-Regular Employees Will Also Be Evaluated

Efforts to improve working conditions for non-regular employees will be added as a new evaluation criterion.

The evaluation will assess whether the broadcaster operates a support system for counseling and resolving grievances among non-regular employees, the track record of converting non-regular employees to regular status, and the proportion of non-regular employees, awarding up to 10 bonus points.

The evaluation method for regional broadcasters’ programming of locally focused content will also be improved. This will involve an absolute evaluation based on established criteria for the proportion of locally focused programming within total broadcast time, taking into account the characteristics of each broadcaster.

The evaluation method for pre-broadcast reviews conducted by broadcasters themselves will also change. Instead of the existing “pre-broadcast violation rate,” the evaluation will now focus on the “number of cases where pre-broadcast violations were not identified,” thereby addressing the previous disadvantage faced by broadcasters with fewer regulatory sanctions.

To enhance the predictability of evaluations, specific details regarding program awards—such as the awarding organization, award level, the award’s history, and the evaluation period—will be clearly specified.

The Broadcasting Evaluation Committee will also revise the detailed criteria for broadcast evaluation. It plans to simplify the submission process for evaluation materials, such as data related to “re-broadcast” programs—where local stations receive and air programs from other broadcasters without modification.

This amendment was drafted following expert discussions, consultation with broadcasters, and deliberation by the Broadcasting Evaluation Committee. The Commission plans to begin a public notice this month and continue gathering additional feedback on the detailed criteria and data submission methods through the end of the year.

Ko Min-soo, Vice Chairman of the Broadcasting and Media Commission, stated, “We expect that these rule amendments will encourage broadcasters to fulfill their public responsibilities—such as efforts to enhance fairness and objectivity in broadcasting—and will improve the effectiveness and fairness of broadcast evaluations.”

Meanwhile, the Commission also approved the overseas retransmission of OBS via KTCorporation(030200)and LG Uplus(032640)on the same day.

KTCorporation and LG Uplus applied for re-approval as the validity period for OBS’s overseas retransmission authorization was set to expire. After reviewing the legal requirements, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission granted approval to both operators, granting each a four-year validity period.