방송통신위원회의 독립성과 중립성에 관한 연구

Abstract

The Korea Communications Commission was established to deal with new problems occurring in the face of changes in the media environment, specifically the blending of broadcasting and communications, and it can be considered an independent administrative agency. Such organizations characteristically have an autonomous aspect that is distinguishable from the hierarchy of traditional administrative organizations due to the professionalism and the neutrality that is expected in the execution of their respective fields, though the specific forms may not all be the same considering they may be shaped by the historical experience of individual countries in order to meet realistic needs. Regarding policies related to broadcasting and communications, the establishment and operation of the Korea Communications Commission is significant in terms of the guarantee of constitutional freedom of speech and the press. The Korea Communications Commission is expected to perform an autonomous function in its particular business area, but with the establishment of a relationship with the existing administrative system, it will take more than simply emphasizing that independent characteristic to achieve the best results. Although one aspect of this independent characteristic is to keep an already powerful government in check, realizing functional harmony with the government’s organizational system should also be considered given that the smooth execution of the institution’s original duties is also the main purpose of its establishment. The Commission must implement specific measures to strengthen professionalism to enhance its independence and neutrality, along with securing the democratic legitimacy of its institutional composition.