KBS ‘Integrated License Fee Collection’ Passed

An amendment to the Broadcasting Act, allows KBS to collect its primary revenue source, the TV license fee, integrated with electricity bills

By Lee Sang-ki

Seoul, South Korea

On April 17, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Broadcasting Act, allowing KBS to collect its primary revenue source, the TV license fee, integrated with electricity bills. The bill was approved in a re-vote with 212 votes in favor and 81 against. This development provides KBS with a significant opportunity to alleviate its severe financial pressures.​

KBS 뉴스

The symbolic significance of this vote is considerable. A day prior, KBS management and labor unions jointly held a resolution rally advocating for the bill’s passage. Notably, the bill was reintroduced and passed despite a presidential veto, marking a rare occurrence in legislative history. Approximately 20 lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party supported the bill initiated by the opposition Democratic Party. It’s the first time in 22 years that a bill vetoed by the president has been enacted through a re-vote.​

Historically, KBS management, labor, and political parties have experienced intense conflicts. However, the process leading to this bill’s passage indicates a potential consensus on the role of public broadcasting. Nonetheless, integrating the license fee collection alone does not guarantee public service and political independence. This is merely the beginning.​

Korea Joongang Daily

In May 1990, as a reporter for the Hankyoreh’s social affairs department, I closely covered KBS’s broadcasting democratization movement for a month. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the fierce struggle to uphold broadcasting freedom, independence, and fairness.​

However, even subsequent democratic governments have not been free from attempts to bring KBS under their influence. Given this reality, expecting KBS to reach the standards of public broadcasters like the BBC or NHK seemed implausible.​

Last week, I contributed columns to the Daejeon Ilbo, The Korea Times, and Pakistan’s Sindh Courier, emphasizing the necessity of integrated license fee collection. I also urged journalist-turned lawmakers to support the bill. Fortunately, they recognized the value of public broadcasting’s independence and autonomy and joined the effort.​

As the presidential election on June 3 approaches, I hope each party’s candidate will pledge to ensure KBS’s political independence, neutrality, and public service. As the saying goes, “Strike while the iron is hot.”​

This passage has sparked a renewed commitment to self-regulation and innovation within KBS. The joint resolution rally by management and labor, the first in over a decade, signifies the beginning of change. It could be the first step toward securing independence and trust as a public broadcaster.​

KBS must now achieve financial self-reliance and free itself from commercial and political influences. In anticipation of the forthcoming unification of the Korean Peninsula, it’s essential to prepare for real-time global dissemination of urgent and significant news.​

The passage of the integrated collection bill is more than just securing finances; it’s a foundational step toward fulfilling the responsibilities of a public broadcaster. Continuous communication, oversight, and cooperation among political circles, the broadcasting industry, and civil society will be crucial in realizing this goal.

Read: Koreans pay for watching TV

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Mr. Lee Sang-ki is a senior journalist based in Seoul, South Korea. He is former President of Journalists Association of Korea, founder President of Asia Journalists Association (AJA), and CEO of The AsiaN.

Courtesy: The AsiaN, Seoul, South Korea (Posted on April 17, 2025)