The Broadcasting Media Communication Commission said on March 27 it had made a final selection of 48 programmes from 21 broadcasters for its "2026 Local and Small Broadcaster Programme Production Support" scheme. This year's support totals 4.6 billion won, up 1 billion won from a year earlier.

The selected programmes comprise locally focused regular and current-affairs reporting, regular, special and pilot programmes aimed at strengthening competitiveness, and new content formats. TV programmes from eight broadcasters, including MBC Gangwon Yeongdong, Gwangju MBC, Mokpo MBC, KNN, OBS, Gwangju Broadcasting, Jeonju Broadcasting and TBC, were chosen in the locally focused regular category.

This year, the commission created a new locally focused radio category, focusing on strengthening communication with local listeners. Radio programmes from six broadcasters, including Gyeongin Broadcasting, MBC Gyeongnam, Jeonju MBC, TBC and Jeju MBC, were selected for the category.

It also plans to actively support co-productions with overseas broadcasters in Japan, China and Canada, aiming to contribute not only to balanced regional development but also to strengthening global competitiveness.

Kim Jong-cheol (김종철), chairman of the Bamito Wi, said local and small broadcasters are key media outlets that play a public role as forums for public discussion in local communities. He said the commission would continue to develop support policies so local and small broadcasters can faithfully perform their core functions, including providing public-interest programmes.