Dispute between terrestrial and cable TV operators in South Korea

The three major terrestrial broadcasters in South Korea, KBS, MBC and SBS, have decided to respond sternly to the suspension of transmission of their programs by cable TV operators.

The Korean Broadcasters Association (KBA), an organization of the three terrestrial broadcasters, on Tuesday held an emergency meeting and decided that it will respond strongly to any disruptions to its broadcasting, KBS reports.

The association said that cable TV operators unilaterally suspended the transmission when talks on transmission fees are still under way. The association said the suspension is a collective act of holding the viewers as hostage and that the broadcasters cannot accept any acts that violates the viewers’ rights.

Cable TV operators on Monday stopped airing programs from KBS2 TV after failing to reach an agreement with terrestrial broadcasters over transmission fees.