The Korea Cable Television Association (KCTA) announced that it signed a business agreement with the National Small SO Development Association and CJ ENM on the 19th to enhance the regional channels of small SOs. Small multiple system operators (SO) will be able to utilize CJ ENM's intellectual property (IP).
The agreement ceremony, held in the KCTA conference room in Seodaemun District, Seoul, was attended by KCTA Vice President Lee Jung-hee, National Small SO Development Association President Lee Han-oh, JCN Ulsan Central Broadcasting Vice President Koo Bon-wook, and KCTV Gwangju Broadcasting Director General Lee Jong-nam. From CJ ENM, Vice President Kim Jung-han, Head of Team Do Jung-hee, and Team Leader Heo Ji-hoon were present.
Under this agreement, CJ ENM will provide 10 broadcasting contents utilizing its IP to small SO regional channels. The intention is to support the programming and operation of regional channels. Additionally, it will continue to discover and pursue new collaborative projects and policy tasks for the growth of paid broadcasting and enhancement of viewer rights. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and establish a joint response system for a variety of upcoming projects.
Kim Jung-han, Vice President of CJ ENM, said, "The sustainability of small SOs is closely related to the balanced development of the local broadcasting ecosystem," and, "Through this agreement, we will provide quality content to viewers while supporting small SOs to create new growth opportunities."
Lee Han-oh, President of the National Small SO Development Association, stated, "In a situation where competition in the media market is intensifying due to the global expansion of OTT platforms and the burden of content procurement expenses is growing, this agreement is expected to significantly help local SOs reduce the burden of securing content and enhance the competitiveness of regional channels."
Lee Jung-hee, Vice President of the Korea Cable Television Association, noted, "The excellent programs to be provided to small SOs will align well with the regional characteristics of SOs that have worked hard to develop the local media ecosystem, creating significant synergy," and added, "I hope that enhancing the competitiveness of regional channels will serve as a foundation for the growth of SOs, leading to a virtuous cycle where the results are shared together."