CBC/Radio-Canada

03/07/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/07/2023 08:13

Global Task Force for public media congratulates South Korea’s KBS on its 50th anniversary

The Global Task Force for public media congratulates KBS, the Korean Broadcasting System, on its 50th anniversary as a public service media organization.

Initially launched as a state-run broadcaster in 1927, KBS has been shaped by a complex history that includes the Korean War, democratization, and rapid economic development, resulting in its transition to a public service model in March 1973.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating a half century of public service as South Korea's national public broadcaster. As disinformation and polarization continue to worsen, and commercial digital media platforms entrench their dominance worldwide, we need independent public media now more than ever. KBS is so proud to be the most trusted media brand in South Korea, to be part of the global family of public service media, and to be a member of the Global Task Force."

-Kim Eui-chul, President & CEO, KBS"Among the eight members of the Global Task Force, KBS has a unique history beginning as a state broadcaster and then transforming into an independent public broadcaster 50 years ago. Its history exemplifies how public media and democracy are inextricably linked and interdependent. Today's KBS is a driving force behind the global popularity of South Korean culture and a cornerstone of South Korea's democratic life. Congratulations to KBS on this milestone anniversary!"

-Catherine Tait, Global Task Force Chair and President & CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada

The Global Task Force for public media is:

  • David Anderson, Managing Director, ABC (Australia)
  • Tim Davie, Director General, BBC (United Kingdom)
  • Delphine Ernotte Cunci, President & CEO, France Télévisions (France)
  • Norbert Himmler, Director General, ZDF (Germany)
  • Kim Eui-chul, President & CEO, KBS (South Korea)
  • Jim Mather, Chair of the Board, RNZ (New Zealand)
  • Hanna Stjärne, Director General, SVT (Sweden)
  • Catherine Tait, President & CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada, GTF Chair (Canada)

About the Global Task Force

The Global Task Force for public media exists to promote and defend the values of public media-access, accuracy, accountability, creativity, impartiality, independence and high standards of journalism-all of which underpin an informed and healthy democracy.