JTBC is set to proceed with the resale bidding for Olympic and World Cup broadcasting rights as planned. The court has sided with them.

On the 19th, the Seoul Western District Court dismissed a provisional injunction filed by the three major broadcasting companies (KBS, MBC, SBS) against JTBC, seeking to halt the bidding process for Olympic and World Cup broadcasting rights.

In the decision, the court stated, "It is difficult to consider JTBC's action of proceeding with the bidding process for broadcasting rights as an act prohibited under the Broadcasting Act." The court ruled that JTBC's bidding conditions did not violate the Broadcasting Act enforcement decree, and did not constitute 'negotiation avoidance without just cause' or 'restrictive trading practices.'

The basis for this ruling lies in the rights holder of the universal viewing right. The court declared, "(the universal viewing right) holder is 'the people'," emphasizing that it is not a system aimed at competition among broadcasting companies.

JTBC stated, "This ruling affirms the legality of public competitive bidding under the Broadcasting Act," and emphasized that "the universal viewing right expands the substantial choice through multiple channels."

They pointed out the issues with the overlapping scheduling practices of terrestrial broadcasting, stating, "It is a waste of broadcast resources and a limitation on viewers' choice, which contradicts the fundamental intent of the universal viewing right."

JTBC also conveyed its stance for a strong response, explaining, "We are considering legal actions, both civil and criminal, including filing a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission against attempts to obstruct legitimate procedures."

This court ruling is expected to accelerate the resale of broadcasting rights. They announced, "We will negotiate with not only terrestrial broadcasters but also cable, general programming channels, and OTT platforms regarding the resale of broadcasting rights."

Furthermore, they promised, "We will establish a new standard for sports broadcasting to deliver the excitement of the Olympics and World Cup to more viewers in more diverse ways."

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