There's an article in today's Korea Times that says Arirang TV is having trouble competing with KBS World. I'm not sure if you watch either station, but personally I find Arirang incredibly obnoxious. Read the whole article, which gets into the role of Korea's international networks vis-a-vis PR vs. truth, but here's a little excerpt about the role Arirang is trying to fill:
QUOTE
Does Korea really need a fully devoted PR channel, rather than discarding the training wheels and leaving regular broadcasting corporations to provide the country's multilingual extensions?
Interestingly, the majority of policymakers, television officials and academics who spoke with The Korea Times answered with a definitive ``yes.'' Not many of the experts believe that KBS alone has a prayer of competing with the likes of the BBC and NHK in terms of financial power and the breadth and quality of programs for the global audience.
``It would be weird if countries like Britain or Japan had their own PR channels, considering the influence of the English and Japanese languages, but you really can't say that people around the world are that much interested in Korea,'' said Song Jong-gil, a mass media professor at Kyonggi University.
``Thus, a PR channel like Arirang clearly has an important role. It's similar to how companies try to sell their products overseas ― if the buyers don't come to you, you go to them.''
A KCC official, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that it would be highly unlikely for government officials to give up on the idea of having a channel to ``properly'' introduce the country to the world.
Interestingly, the majority of policymakers, television officials and academics who spoke with The Korea Times answered with a definitive ``yes.'' Not many of the experts believe that KBS alone has a prayer of competing with the likes of the BBC and NHK in terms of financial power and the breadth and quality of programs for the global audience.
``It would be weird if countries like Britain or Japan had their own PR channels, considering the influence of the English and Japanese languages, but you really can't say that people around the world are that much interested in Korea,'' said Song Jong-gil, a mass media professor at Kyonggi University.
``Thus, a PR channel like Arirang clearly has an important role. It's similar to how companies try to sell their products overseas ― if the buyers don't come to you, you go to them.''
A KCC official, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that it would be highly unlikely for government officials to give up on the idea of having a channel to ``properly'' introduce the country to the world.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/natio.../123_45314.html
Arirang is very heavy in propaganda, and it doesn't look like it wants to change direction. But since I live in Korea, I find it especially annoying, along with Korea's need to always present it's "brand" or improve it's "image." But people who have no connection to Korea, who have never been here, do they care? Do any of you living in the US, Canada, or other Asian countries have a preference? Any opinion on Arirang? For me, I long for the day Arirang goes away.
Via Brian in Jeollanam-do, which has a lot more comments and discussion.
