2000 Broadcasting Act and 2005 Newspaper Act: Balancing Public and Market Interests

Abstract

Since the new millennium, the electronic communication media environment has significantly changed. In line with this global trend, the Korean government enacted the Broadcasting Act in 2000 and the Newspaper Act in 2005 to integrate separate laws and to promote media convergence. The media industry became more diversified through deregulation of media ownership and operation. At the same time, the progressive government enhanced public interest in media and improved citizens’ interest and welfare. As the involvement of civil society in the media increased and the Internet spread, civil society, including labour unions and professional media organizations, became more involved in the media policy decision-making process. In particular, media access and media literacy were institutionalized. The previous government-centred media policy was transformed into a multi-stakeholder-centred policy in consultation with civil society and private organizations.