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Controversy is expected over the Korea Broadcasting Commission¡¯s announcement that it is considering taking punitive measures against Hanaro Telecom¡¯s interactive service Hana TV for its possible violations of broadcasting laws. Hanaro Telecom launched the TV portal service to offer a wide range of TV programs on a video-on-demand basis through its broadband network in line with recent convergence of broadcasting and communications on July 24. Real-time broadcasts are not available on the service.
The KBC said that according to the Broadcasting Law, the Hana TV service is another type of broadcasting, since it plans and schedules its own programs, which are provided through electric and communications facilities. A KBC official said that the commission is considering taking punitive actions against Hanaro because the firm pushed for the commercial provision of the service without the permission of the KBC. Prior to the KBC¡¯s decision, the Korea Cable TV Association demanded that Hana TV halt its service, saying that the company¡¯s contents delivery system, which requires subscribers to install a set-top box, is in no way dissimilar to cable TV.
A Hanaro official said, ¡°We don¡¯t understand why the commission is taking issue with our service now, when KT started a video-on-demand service two years ago.¡± The controversy over Hana TV is showing signs of turning into a conflict between the KBC and the Ministry of Information and Communications, which sided with Hanaro, saying, ¡°Does the KBC mean to regulate video-on-demand service provided though portal sites? It is anachronistic.¡± Hana TV has drawn 15,000 subscribers since its launch last month.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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