종합편성채널사용사업자에 대한 승인제 적용의 타당성에 대한 비판적 고찰

This study relied on expert in-depth interviews to examine the feasibility of business license applications through the approval system, the accomplishment of policy goals set up at the time of selection, and the appropriateness of the re-approval process for general programming channels instituted in 2011. In addition, we reviewed measures supplementary to the approval system in the convergence environment. The results show that, first, the approval system for comprehensive programming channels is based on the Broadcasting Act, and the process does not limit the freedom of the press because the Constitution regulates broadcasting rights with limited freedom. However, as the accessibility of news through various media increases, the justification for the approval system becomes weaker. Second, among policy goals, horizontal diversity and contents production market have become activated, but program formats and genres constituting the available channels are limited. Third, it is suggested that the review process be at the discretion of the regulatory authorities, but the review criteria be based on the Broadcasting Act. Re-approvals of under-rated broadcasters may be meaningless administrative actions. Finally, we propose to abolish the mandatory must-carry rule for general programming channels and to lower the degree of entry regulation in the registration system.