Ever wonder where some of South Korea’s most iconic TV shows and radio programs are created? It’s here at SBS.
SBS or Seoul Broadcasting System stands as a cornerstone of South Korean broadcasting. It legally adopted the name SBS in March 2000. Before that, it was also known as Seoul Broadcasting System.
Founded on November 14 1990 SBS is the largest private broadcaster in South Korea. Taeyoung Construction owns it. SBS operates a flagship television channel. This channel boasts a nationwide network of ten regional stations. It also runs three radio networks.
Following South Korea’s democratic reforms in 1987 the government aimed to establish a new commercial broadcaster. This would be the second after MBC. This new channel offered an alternative to the public.
SBS began its journey with experimental broadcasts in December 1990. This led to some controversy because the Taeyoung construction corporation owned 30% of the shares. On March 20 1991 SBS Radio began regular broadcasts on AM 792kHz. December 1 1991 marked a milestone. SBS TV was officially launched at 1000 am. MBC even acknowledged it on MBC Newsdesk.
Initially SBS broadcast terrestrially only in Seoul and nearby areas. By 1994 SBS expanded its reach. It created a network of affiliate stations across the country. This included KNN TJB TBC and KBC.
SBS also embraced FM radio. In 1996 SBS Power FM began broadcasting music on 107.7 MHz. In 1999 SBS Radio rebranded as SBS Love FM. It broadcast simultaneously on AM and FM frequencies.
High-definition digital television arrived in 2001. Digital Multimedia Broadcasting DMB followed in 2005.
SBS unveiled its current logo on November 14 2000. It marked its 10th anniversary. Until 2010 its slogan was Humanism thru Digital. Then a new slogan Together we make delight was introduced.
SBS TV briefly experimented with 24-hour broadcasting in 2012. But it later reverted to daily sign-off routines.
SBS operates one terrestrial TV channel SBS TV Channel 6. It also has three radio stations SBS Love FM and SBS Power FM. The third is SBS V-Radio.
SBS dramas have significantly contributed to the Korean wave. They are exported to many countries. Sandglass achieved some of the highest viewership ratings in South Korea. Other popular dramas include Lovers in Paris and My Love from the Star.
SBS also airs various entertainment programs. These range from comedy to music to reality shows. Programs like Running Man enjoy popularity across Asia.
SBS documentaries cover diverse topics. Unanswered Questions premiered in 1992. It gained recognition for its journalistic investigations. SBS broke tradition with its newscast SBS Eight O’Clock News. It aired at 2000 an hour earlier than others.
Komi a blue bear is the network’s mascot. It represents SBS’s values.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a broadcasting giant SBS continues to shape South Korean media. Its impact extends far beyond Seoul. It resonates globally.