지역방송 활성화를 위한 정책지원제도에 대한 분석 — 지역방송발전지원 특별법을 중심으로 —

This study investigated the recognition about the “Local Broadcasting Acts” and related polices which can improve competitiveness of waning local broadcasting stations, using in-depth interviews for 12 local broadcasting employees. First of all, most of employees were not complacent with the current acts because of its lack of funding and unstable funding sources. They think that funding is the first priority to reestablish local broadcasting industry and have common sense of more sufficient as well as independent funding should be essential to foster local broadcasting stations. Also, as local self-government is on-going in more full-scale, local broadcasting stations can be a very important parter in pursing localism as well as local self-governments by offering local public agendas, reflecting local public opinions, and working as a watch dog of local governments. Regarding policy suggestions, first, more independent funding and diverse sources of funding should be guaranteed so that local broadcasting stations can reactivate their competence. Second, current local broadcasting commission needs to be expanded and reinforced by establishing low level of advisory board, which is composed of people representing local viewers’ interests. Also, supports from the local governments should be forced by local broadcasting acts or local governments acts, which must be operated in a independent manner so that local broadcasting stations do their own duties as a watch dog and communication hub for local residents and viewers. Finally, localism principle, which is stipulated mere one element of public interests in current broadcasting acts, should be separately stated more clearly and loudly. Moreover, Korea Communications Commission need to supervise local governments, whether they supports local broadcasting stations in fair and positive manner throughout such as local acts and various local orders.