The Korea Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) is a South Korean educational broadcasting group established in the 1980s as part of KBS, the country’s flagship public media group. Since that time, it has become an autonomous operator in its own right.
Media assets
Television: EBS 1, EBS 2, EBS Plus 1, EBS Plus 2, EBS English, EBS Kids
Radio: EBS FM
State Media Matrix Typology: Independent Public (IP)
Ownership and governance
EBS is a public corporation managed by a Board of Directors comprising nine non-executive members appointed by the Korea Communications Commission, the local media regulator. In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Korea Education Broadcasting Corporation Act of 1997, the Board was duly constituted. The Board is subject to regular evaluation by an independent commission.
Following amendments to the EBS Act approved by Parliament in July 2024, the EBS’ board of directors will grow from nine members to 21.
Source of funding and budget
EBS’s revenue is primarily derived from advertising and sales of products, including publications and textbooks. These revenues account for approximately 80% of the total budget of EBS, with the remainder derived from the license fee (which is allocated for funding public media and shared with KBS) and government contributions. The latest data from the company shows that EBS had a budget of KRW 251bn (US$ 231m) in the 2017 fiscal year.
Editorial independence
EBS is not subject to any government-imposed editorial regulations, and there is no evidence of government involvement in the editorial processes at EBS.
EBS has an Audience Committee comprising academics, activists, and school teachers (who are replaced on an annual basis). The committee’s objective is to independently monitor the programming of EBS and communicate with the general audience. The committee views its role as that of an ombudsman.
September 2024