Cable TV Association: “Suspension of CJ OnStyle Broadcast Disrupts Balance of Pay Broadcasting Ecosystem”

Home shopping channel CJ OnStyle has stopped broadcasting on several cable TV operators, including D-live, CCS Chungbuk Broadcasting, and Areum Broadcasting, starting from midnight on the 5th due to conflicts over broadcast fee negotiations. The Cable TV Association criticized this move, arguing it undermines the balance of the paid broadcast ecosystem and infringes on people’s basic viewing rights. They claimed CJ OnStyle’s demand for a more than 60% reduction in fees is excessive, especially given the already declining subscriber numbers, which have decreased by less than 5% compared to the previous year. The association also pointed out discriminatory actions towards certain subscriber groups and criticized CJ OnStyle for trying to exclude 8VSB service subscribers from the subscriber count. Furthermore, the association accused the home shopping network of artificially reducing its reported sales by encouraging mobile and internet transactions and failing to provide transparent sales data, which could ensure fair negotiations. The association argues that such drastic measures negatively impact not only cable TV, but also other businesses and viewers, forcing cable operators to consider adjusting content transaction fees or increasing subscription fees.