Abstract: A method for sending forward error correction (FEC) configuration information by a sending apparatus in a multimedia system is provided. The method includes sending source FEC configuration information for an FEC source packet to a receiving apparatus, wherein the source FEC configuration information includes information related to an FEC source or repair packet that is sent first among at least one FEC source or repair packet if an FEC source or repair packet block includes the at least one FEC source or repair packet.