The Broadcasting Media and Communications Committee (BMCC) will allocate 297.7 billion won in next year's budget to realize a "basic media society." This represents an increase of 34.6 billion won (13.2%) compared to the previous year.
On the 1st, the BMCC announced that it has compiled the 2027 budget proposal and fund operation plan with a total of 297.7 billion won, an increase of 34.6 billion won (13.2%) from the prior year.
A "basic media society" is the core value pursued by the BMCC. It refers to a society where all citizens can easily and safely access media and equally enjoy its benefits.
To this end, the BMCC has prioritized funding in three areas: supporting sustainable development and innovation of the broadcasting and media ecosystem; creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment; and strengthening citizens' media sovereignty.
First, to support the AX (AI transformation) of the broadcasting and media industry, the BMCC has newly allocated 10 billion won for the "Broadcasting Video AI Training Data Construction Pilot Project," which processes video materials held by broadcasters into AI training data.
Additionally, starting next year, the committee will launch projects including providing AI production and editing solution vouchers to small and medium-sized broadcasting operators; supporting the creation of short-form broadcast content using AI; and supporting young interns trained in AI technology. The research and development (R&D) budget for securing foundational technologies for new AI-based broadcast production and editing has been significantly increased. New initiatives include support for building an integrated service platform for domestic radio broadcasters and a project to standardize pay-TV viewing data.
Furthermore, the committee has secured the budget for the establishment and operation of the "Information Communication Service Transparency Center," which will be set up in accordance with the revised "Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection" amended last July. The Transparency Center will carry out statutory duties such as supporting fact-checking organizations and conducting research and education related to fact verification.
Finally, the budget for citizens' media participation, access, and utilization has been expanded. The BMCC has allocated approximately 2.4 billion won for media competency training at the Viewer Media Foundation, doubling the previous year's amount. It also secured 2.5 billion won each for constructing viewer media centers in Gyeongbuk and Jeonbuk provinces.
In addition, budgets for programs to distribute TV receivers for the hearing-impaired, support production of broadcasts for persons with disabilities, develop an AI-based automated screen description system for the visually impaired, and provide program production support to local and small broadcasters as well as the Korea Education Broadcasting Service (EBS) have been increased compared to the previous year. The contribution amount to the "Digital Content Korea Fund," jointly promoted with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has been set at 5 billion won, a tenfold increase from the prior year.
Kim Jong-cheol stated, "Through the 2027 budget proposal, we will further strengthen citizens' media sovereignty and cultivate industrial competitiveness suited to the changing media environment."
in TECH
