Small and Medium PP Facing Limits, Seeking 'Breakthrough' Through Joint Content Production and Scheduling

Cable TV Broadcasting Association Launches 'PP Joint Production Cooperation Group'

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Small and medium-sized broadcasting channel operators (PPs) are seeking ways to secure original content through production cooperation and survive in the fiercely competitive content market.

The Korea Cable TV Broadcasting Association announced on the 1st that it will present its first fruit from the 'PP Joint Production Cooperation Group,' launched earlier this year, with the program 'Living by Hobbies' on the 2nd.

This program, a 30-minute, 50-episode documentary, explores the diverse life stories and curiosities of people who have turned their hobbies into careers. Not only PPs but also three comprehensive cable TV operators (SOs), including LG HelloVision, have joined the production, garnering high expectations from the industry from the very first work.

The newly launched cooperation group consists of nine small and medium-sized PPs affiliated with the association, representing various genres such as children, music, religion, seniors, and leisure. It is composed of Korea Fishing Channel, Silver Eye TV, Korea Job Broadcasting, Dong-A TV, Senior TV, Parenting Broadcasting, Defense Media Agency, Real TV, and KMH.

As SOs participated in the first production, there are plans to expand participation by collaborating jointly with IPTV and others in the future.

An association official stated, "In 2019, Korea Job Broadcasting's program 'Senior Intern' was jointly scheduled on 89 channels, serving as a catalyst to lay the foundation for the cooperation group," adding, "Building on the success of the previous work, season 2, 'Headhunter,' will also air on the 2nd, creating a virtuous cycle model in the production environment through cost reduction and joint scheduling."

Lee Raewoon, chairman of the Korea Cable TV Broadcasting Association, said, "To overcome the limitations of production investment and scheduling centered on small and medium-sized PPs, several member companies have joined forces to take the first step," and added, "Given the rapid changes in the media environment, securing original content and strengthening scheduling are crucial, so we will work harder to prepare support measures that can generate mutual cooperation and synergy among member companies."

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