The Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), also known as the Cultural Broadcasting Corporation, is a prominent television and radio network in South Korea. It operates MBC TV channels, three radio stations, and numerous local broadcasters.
Media assets
Television: MBC TV
Radio: MBC Standard FM, MBC FM4U, Channel M
State Media Matrix Typology: Independent Public (IP)
Ownership and governance
MBC is a public broadcaster with a majority ownership stake held by the Foundation for Broadcast Culture (FBC), a public organization that owns 70% of the shares. The Foundation for Broadcast Culture (FBC) was established by the South Korean National Assembly in 1988 with the specific purpose of ensuring the independence of MBC. This structure is comparable to that of Channel 4 TV in the UK, which MBC is said to have emulated.
The FBC is responsible for evaluating the performance of the MBC’s management team and for appointing the station’s CEO. The FBC Board comprises nine directors, all of whom are appointed by the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the regulatory authority for the media in South Korea.
Source of funding and budget
MBC is a self-sustaining entity, with all funding derived from advertising revenues. In 2020, the company reported total income of KRW 697.1bn (approximately US$ 581m). In 2021, the company generated revenues of approximately KRW 780bn (US$ 663m), according to data provided by a company director. In 2022, the company posted revenue of KRW 849bn (US$ 613m), according to information from the corporation.
Editorial independence
There are no regulations that require MBC to prioritize the views of state authorities in its editorial content. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the editorial direction at MBC is influenced by the South Korean government, despite various reactions by high-level officials against the broadcaster’s journalists triggered by the station’s critical coverage.
In recent years, the MBC has implemented several new measures to enhance accountability to the public. For instance, citizens played an active role in the appointment of the current MBC president, akin to a political campaign.
Additionally, MBC operates the Viewers Advisory platform, which enables citizens to lodge complaints or suggest changes to programming in accordance with the Broadcast Rulebook. This document provides guidance to MBC staff on their work. The Viewers Committee is also in place, comprising citizen representatives who discuss and critique MBC programming, as well as the station’s policies and identity. The committee is composed of academics, trade union representatives, journalists, and activists. Additionally, MBC has a Viewers Autonomous Committee, which addresses concerns from citizens regarding specific MBC programs that they believe are inappropriate or harmful.
September 2024