South Korean officials are asserting administrative control over the resale of broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup. The move comes after concerns were raised regarding access to major sporting events.
According to reports, Chairman Kim Jong-chul of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) has indicated the government will exercise its administrative guidance authority concerning the resale of World Cup broadcasting rights. This action signals a stronger stance on ensuring public access to significant sporting events.
The developments follow remarks made by President Lee regarding exclusive broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games. President Lee emphasized the need to improve systems to guarantee nationwide access for citizens, stating, “A system needs to be improved to ensure accessibility for the people.”
These actions are occurring against a backdrop of recent criticism surrounding broadcasting coverage of the Winter Olympics. Reports indicate the Games experienced “record-level low viewership,” with JTBC facing scrutiny for its coverage. The situation highlights the ongoing debate about balancing broadcasting rights with public access to major international sporting events.
The KCC’s intervention aims to address concerns about potential limitations on viewership and ensure that key sporting moments are available to a wider audience across South Korea. The government’s move underscores its commitment to fostering greater inclusivity in access to live sports coverage.
