[USA] The Rise of Asian Television : Korean TV Channel MBC Available on DirecTV

By Edgard Elizarraras

Advertisement

In 1991, South Korean broadcasting network MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) touched ground in L.A. in order to create a bridge between the two countries through media. Now, after finding success in L.A.'s Koreatown, the South Korean subsidiary known as MBC America, has announced that on December 17th it will launch its first nationwide HD channel on DirecTV. The channel will serve as the first "Asian channel" to be targeted towards the general market. Although viewers might perceive it as just another addition to their already lengthy TV guide, it will feature not only K-dramas, but also include various Asian/Asian American content like movies, documentaries, and entertainment programs broadcasted all in English or subtitled for the viewers to enjoy.

As musical talents from Korea begin to slowly permeate the US market and more Asian American personalities begin to appear online and on the silver screen, there still seems to be a lack of representation for the Asian American community on mainstream television networks. Larger minority groups in the US have been able to establish their own networks which have been successful in producing their own content year after year, yet Asian Americans still lack a network. In a 2012 report, Nielsen found that Asian Americans (age 18-49) view mainstream television, notably focusing on programs that have Asian American actors, indicating that there is a strong desire among Asian American viewers to see people who resemble them perform on a mainstream platform (State of the Asian American Consumer).  

Although the channel will initially feature Korean content, the L.A. based TV network plans to diversify their programming as they come across various new productions and potential partners over the years. "We hope to be the leading TV network in Asian representation and entertainment in the US", said Daniel Yoon, CEO of MBC America. "A network that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone despite their background".

MBC America is determined that through this channel, they will be able to provide a reliable platform for the community to enjoy while at the same time reach the ranks of networks like Univision and BET. Living in the age of technology, it's only been a matter of time for the shows people watch online to finally make it to their tv sets at home on DirecTV Channel 385.

To keep oneself updated on the channel makes sure to visit their Homepage, Facebook, and Twitter.
LINKS:

Homepage: http://www.mbc-america.com/en/default/index.php
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MBC-America-116358158406961
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbc_america