헌법합치적 공영방송으로서의 KBS 개혁과제 - 문화국가와 사회국가·국민통제라는 관점에서

Korean Public Service Broadcasting Reform with special reference to Korean Constitutionalism

  This essay discusses the current state of heated discussions concerning Korean Public Service Broadcasting(the following, KBS) Reform problems, with particular reference to news and public affairs: Does the reform policy promote democratic values or work, and what would constitute a different and better draft. There are two initial caveats. First, it would be necessary to oversimplify in light of the enormous scope of the reform topic, KBS"s function in the 21st century, an information-oriented society. And second, I shall oversimplify with respect to the definition of the key goal here: promotion of Korean Constitutional values like "Culture State, Social State, National Sovereignty". I recognize that there could be heated argument concerning the term "Korean Constitutional values". I intend to finesse this important area by focusing on a "Democratic" approach. A democracy - in our case, a republic depending on representative government - critically depends on an informed electorate and, therefore, on a free and unfettered press bringing to it all worthwhile ideas and views.   The Public Service Broadcasting(the following, PBS) should be accountable to its audiences, because audiences are at the heart of every thing PBS does, according to the Korean Constitutionalism, in addition to PBS is supported by the National Assistance. Broadcasting, especially television, is the most powerful mass medium. There are a number of good and readily apparent solutions to this reform problem. But the biggest plus in the entire KBS Reform policy area is the "letting" process that now holds sway, the new technical services, DBS, MDS, OFS, CATV ect..   The promotion of a KBS Reform should therefore be a priority in Korean Constitutional Law, without regard to which party is in power at any given time. We have to never forget that there is a great yearning around the world today for free expression through open media, and it is one of the most significant areas where Korea still has reason to boast of its own record.