Advancement in animation requires the improvement of media environment

"Without implementing any structural improvement of the media, the window of the animation's exposure to the public, the advancement of animation is far off".

A seminar on the impact on the Korean Animation Industry and Countermeasures According to the Settlement of the Korea?US FTA, co-hosted by the Korea Animation Producers Association (KAPA, President: Jeon, Chang-Rok) and the Seoul Animation Center, was held on June 29 at the Seoul Animation Center in Namsan, Seoul.

"It is estimated that the amount of direct lossed due to the decrease of Korean animation content to be broadcast in cable and satellite channels will be about KRW 7 billion a year", said Lee, Byung-Gyu, executive director of ICONIX Entertainment, who presented the keynote speech representing the animation industry. Lee mentioned that structural problems in the Korean animation industry include: (1) the aggravated system of Korean animation to the media; (2) the declining market profits, the number of animations produced, and the weakened production foundations; (3) and a system of planning outsourcing is established due to investors leaving the industry.

Also, animation channels during prime time, such as Toonibus, Champ, or AnioneTV, are programming Japanese animations on golden time, broadcasting Korean animations earlier than terrestrial wave broadcasting companies do, and producing low-cost animations just to satisfy regulations. He firmly emphasized such a vicious circle of the systematic programs in media exposure of Korean animations.

"These animation channels' media power becomes stronger, with six animation channels generating an average of KRW 7.6 billion in net profits every year", said Lee. "These channels are surpassing the terrestrial wave broadcasting companies in terms of rating and leading the promotion of animations". Lee also said, "Three channels except KBS1TV (for the 5 PM period) are positioned in the period of 3 or 4 PM, when the rating is the lowest, and thus, producing only a limited media exposure effect".

The Source : Koreacontent News Team

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