Broadcasting Commission Urges Uninterrupted Broadcasting Despite COVID-19 and Typhoons

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Korea Communications Commission recently held an emergency video conference on the 26th with major disaster broadcasting mandatory broadcasters, including terrestrial broadcasters, comprehensive programming channels, and news channels, regarding the impact of the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on broadcasting production sites.

Recently, in the broadcasting industry, production of broadcasting programs has been disrupted due to the infection of broadcasting station cast members, leading to the closure of company buildings and suspension of regular broadcasts. Temporary movement restrictions were also implemented after employees of broadcasting station partner companies tested positive. Broadcasters explained that they are responding according to their own manuals prepared in March to prepare for the spread of COVID-19. Considering the impact of COVID-19 on broadcasting, they announced plans to re-examine manpower operation such as emergency shift organization and broadcasting equipment operation plans.

The KCC requested that the manuals be supplemented with specific action guidelines for each stage of infectious disease to ensure smooth response at broadcasting production and transmission sites. In addition, with the approach of the large-scale typhoon Bavi expected to cause significant damage, they requested strengthening the provision of disaster information such as advance measures to prevent damage from strong winds and high waves to minimize public damage. The KCC explained that it will share and review response situations with broadcasters and strengthen cooperation systems to respond more quickly to disasters such as COVID-19 and typhoons in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.