The Korean Broadcasting System is the national broadcaster of South Korea. Founded in 1927, it is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters.
In South Korea, there are a number of national television networks, the three largest of which are KBS, MBC, and SBS. Most of the major television studios are located on Yeouido and Sangam-dong, Seoul. South Korea became the fourth adopter in Asia when television broadcasting began on 12 May 1956 with the opening of HLKZ-TV, a commercially operated television station. HLKZ-TV was established by the RCA Distribution Company (KORCAD) in Seoul with 186–192 MHz, 100-watt output, and 525 scanning lines.
Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters. The broadcaster legally became known as SBS in March 2000, changing its corporate name from Seoul Broadcasting System. Its flagship terrestrial television station SBS TV broadcasts as channel 6 for digital and cable.
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters. Munhwa is the Sino-Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television station MBC TV broadcasts as channel 11.
YTN is the first 24-hour Korean news channel to be broadcast throughout South Korea. It was founded on September 14, 1993, and began broadcasting on March 1, 1995.
Korea New Network (KNN) is the biggest regional free-to-air commercial broadcasting station based in Centum City, a high-tech media development complex within Haeundae in Busan, South Korea. KNN is affiliated with SBS. It was originally founded in April 1994 as Pusan Broadcasting Corporation (PSB). It had first begun its demo transmissions upon its establishment in April, and later on September 7 the same year it had begun its test transmissions, and then commenced its official broadcasts on May 14, 1995. As of 2011 its own programs make up to 35 percent of all programs.
The South Korean mass media consist of several different types of public communication of news: television, radio, cinema, newspapers, magazines, and Internet-based websites.
SBS TV is a South Korean free-to-air television channel operated by Seoul Broadcasting System. The channel was launched on 9 December 1991.
KBS 1TV is a South Korean free-to-air television channel and is considered the first private company in South Korea launched on 31 December 1961 and owned by Korean Broadcasting System. The channel offers serious fare compared to KBS2, and is devoid of commercials.
KBS World is a South Korean pay television channel operated by the Korean Broadcasting System aimed at international audiences outside South Korea. It was launched on 1 July 2003 and mainly broadcast in Korean, but subtitles in English, Chinese and Malay are also provided.
JTBC is a South Korean nationwide pay television network. Its primary shareholder is JoongAng Holdings, with a 25% stake. It was launched on 1 December 2011. JTBC is a generalist channel, with programming consisting of television series, variety shows, and news broadcasting; its news division is held in similar regard to the three main terrestrial networks in South Korea.
KBS Cool FM, also known as KBS 2FM KBS 제2FM방송) is a 24-hour Hot AC music and entertainment radio station of the Korean Broadcasting System. It plays mostly older K-pop Music from the 90s compared to KBS Happy FM which plays the latest K-pop tracks. Notable shows include Gayo Plaza, Volume Up and Kiss the Radio.
Channel A Corporation, known as Channel A, is a nationwide generalist cable TV network and broadcasting company in South Korea. The company's largest shareholder is Dong-A Media Group (DAMG), which consists of 12 affiliate companies including The Dong-a Ilbo. Channel A was launched on 1 December 2011. Channel A's management philosophy is 'Open & Creative' and the company slogan is 'Channel A, A Canvas that Holds Your Dreams.' JaeHo Kim is the chief executive officer.
KBS 2TV is a South Korean free-to-air television channel launched on 1 December 1980 and owned by Korean Broadcasting System. In contrast to KBS1, the channel specializes primarily in entertainment.
KBS Radio 2 is a K-Pop, classical music, and entertainment network of the Korean Broadcasting System. Opened in 1933 on AM Radio, the network began utilising FM Radio frequencies 67 years later for a clearer audio reception.
Tongyang Broadcasting Company was a South Korean commercial television station which was merged by the government with KBS. It was owned by the Samsung Group founder Lee Byung-chul and was a sister company to the JoongAng Ilbo.
Arirang Radio is an English-language South Korean television network based in Seoul and aimed at an overseas audience. It is operated by the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation and is financially supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The channel, which airs in 103 countries, aims to offer an extensive and informative view of Korea Peninsula affairs, as well as world issues from a global perspective.
MBC TV is a South Korean free-to-air television channel launched on 8 August 1969 and owned by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.
EBS 2TV is a South Korean free-to-air television channel operated by Educational Broadcasting System. The channel was launched on 11 February 2015 as Korea's first subchannel. The channel specializes primarily on middle school-aged students."EBS Brochure"(pdf).</ref>
The Jeju Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation is MBC's local branch for Jeju Province. It is the oldest commercial media outlet in the island and uses the HLAJ calls.
