'Convergence' to Continue Media Dominance This Year

The "convergence of broadcasting and communications" has been cited as the most significant keyword that will dominate the media world this year, according to a survey of 100 experts by the Future and Media Institute from Dec. 5 through 18.

The institute's monthly magazine Future and Media said that 21.7 percent of the respondents cited "broadcasting and communications convergence" as a media keyword for this year.

Others on the top 5 list included "presidential election" with 12 percent, "user-created content (UCC)" with 8.8 percent, "internet protocol television (IPTV)" with 6.8 percent, and "bubble economy/real estate" with 5.3 percent.

Given that the third-ranked IPTV, the eighth-ranked "broadcasting and communications convergence organization" and 11th-ranked "digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB)" can be classified into the broadcasting and communications convergence category, there is little doubt that "convergence" is the biggest agenda for the media industry this year.

When asked who they think is the most influential media figure, 19 percent cited KBS President Jung Yun-joo, followed by Chosun Ilbo President Bang Sang-hoon with 13.2 percent, President Roh Moo-hyun with 6.7 percent, and Korean Broadcasting Commission Chairman Cho Chang-hyun and MBC President Choi Moon-soon both with 4.7 percent.

"It seems that Jung was helped by his post as president of the state-run broadcasting company rather than by his reputation", the institute said. "Another contributing factor might have been that he was talked about a lot in the media regarding his reappointment and conflict with the union. The fact that the presidential election will take place this year may also have helped".

KBS was cited as the most influential media company with 28.5 percent, followed by the Chosun Ilbo (16.7 percent) and MBC (8.7 percent). One notable result was that internet portal company Naver and total media company CJ Group beat other media companies to share fourth place with 6.0 percent.