With integrated collection of TV license fees beginning on the 23rd, KBS unveiled plans to strengthen public service, including producing epic historical dramas and planning large-scale performance projects.
On the 22nd, KBS said, "With the resumption of integrated license fee collection as an opportunity, we will further strengthen the duties of public broadcasting based on the public's trust," and added, "As a core policy to realize this, we will push forward with a 'public interest enhancement project' and accelerate viewer-centered broadcast innovation and the expansion of public-interest content."
The TV license fee is a major source of revenue for KBS and had been collected together with electricity bills since 1994, but it was separated in Jul. 2023 due to a revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Broadcasting Act. Then, as six months have passed since the promulgation of the revised Broadcasting Act that reverses this, integrated license fee collection will resume on the 23rd.
First, starting with the airing of the authentic period drama "Great King Munmu" in the second half of next year, KBS plans to produce an epic historical drama every year. The aim is to shed light on the history and culture of Korea in depth.
In addition, it decided to make the planning of large-scale project performances a regular practice. KBS showcased "Cho Yong-pil, This moment forever" during this year's Chuseok holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation. It also plans to plan K-pop performances that will contribute to the global spread of K-culture.
In addition, it will accelerate the production of historical content using artificial intelligence (AI) technology and documentaries that present national agendas. It will run a TV campaign to overcome low birthrates and produce dedicated content for children.
KBS said, "We will reorganize our plans to strengthen public ownership, public service, and public interest to a level akin to a second founding of the company and repay the value of the license fees the public entrusts to us."