Major TV networks allowed to offer 24-hour service

The government on Friday announced its decision to lift a decades-long ban on late-night broadcasting of terrestrial television broadcasters to put them on an equal footing with cable TV channels.

The decision was made during a plenary session of the Korea Communications Commission, which oversees the government's broadcasting policies, according to the commission.

Currently, the nation's three terrestrial TV broadcasters -- KBS, MBC and SBS -- can air programs for 19 hours a day (from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day) while paid TV channels are free from the regulations. They had to seek permission from the commission in order to broadcast sports games or other special programs after 1 a.m.

The decision will allow the broadcasters to operate for 24 hours a day for the first time since TV broadcasting began in the country in 1961, the commission said.

The commission originally planned to scrap the ban early this year but has delayed the plan due to strong backlash from newspapers and paid cable TV channels. They have argued that the measure would only increase major TV networks' dominance of the ad market and the number of programs harmful to teenagers.

Under the decision, each major TV network will gradually increase their broadcasting time starting next month considering their manpower and other conditions for producing programs.

KBS 1TV will be the first channel to begin 24-hour service, according to the commission. (Yonhap)