Seoul Broadcasting System Delivers 24-Hour-a-Day Korean Programming to the U.S.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif, Oct. 4, 2005 DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) continues to expand its international programming lineup with the addition of Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a top-rated Korean network that is now available exclusively to DIRECTV’s WorldDirect™ customers.
DIRECTV will offer SBS programming, which includes drama, comedy, sports, variety shows and news, for $14.99 per month.
“SBS is one of the top-rated channels in Korea and is already very popular here in the United States,” said Aaron McNally, vice president, DIRECTV International. “We are honored that SBS has chosen DIRECTV to be its distribution partner and we will do all we can to return the favor by providing Korean-Americans with the best television experience possible.”
“Since its inception in August 2004, SBS has focused on creating an environment where Korean-American viewers have access to quality Korean and English-language programming, at an affordable price,” said Sang Y. Chun, president, SBS International. “Through this alliance with DIRECTV, SBS is achieving these goals and providing our customers with the best programming lineup available.”
SBS has designed its programming to feed the needs of all its viewers by providing content that is both informative and entertaining. To start the day, viewers can tune into “Morning Wide Live” and “Morning Wide 3.” “Wide Live” provides up-to-the-minute news coverage about the region and world from SBS News bureaus in Korea and around the globe. “Wide 3” then whisks viewers to alluring travel destinations to partake in the culture’s food, fashion, music, art and more. All news programs (news, news magazine shows and documentaries) on SBS aim to address the authentic concerns of its viewers.
SBS also offers up to 40 hours of hit dramas and soaps, including the most successful “Koreanovela” ever, “Lovers in Paris.” Other popular programs include “Ya Sim Man Man,” a celebrity talk show; “Ut Chat Sa,” the number one comedy show in Korea; and “Good Morning,” a daily talk show that discusses life’s everyday issues. For sports enthusiasts, “Sports Today” and “Sports Wide” keep viewers informed of who’s ahead in their favorite sport.
Customers who want to subscribe to the SBS programming package must first subscribe to the DIRECTV BASIC ($9.99/mo) or DIRECTV PREFERRED CHOICE™ ($29.99/mo) international base packages, or to any TOTAL CHOICE ($41.99/mo. or above) or DIRECTV PARA TODOS ($29.99/mo. or above) base package. The DIRECTV BASIC package offers up to 50 channels, including local channels (where available), public interest, music and shopping channels. In addition to those channels offered in the BASIC package, the PREFERRED CHOICE package includes a variety of the most popular English-language channels such as ESPN, CNN, The History Channel, Food Network, TNT, MTV and the Fox Movie Channel.
Current and new SBS customers who wish to subscribe to SBS on DIRECTV should call 800-378-3309 for more information on free DIRECTV equipment and installation offers.
The DIRECTV WorldDirect™ platform has launched 23 channels that deliver a wide variety of new programming in multiple foreign-languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Italian, to underserved ethnic markets throughout the United States. DIRECTV will continue to expand its international programming platform to reach more ethnic audiences.
DIRECTV customers will need to use a WorldDirect services satellite dish that is capable of receiving both international and English-language programming. In some markets, customers who subscribe to a local channels package will require a second smaller dish.
About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation’s leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 14.6 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment. DIRECTV is approximately 34 percent owned by News Corporation.
About SBS
SBS is the leading digital broadcaster in Korea. SBS Media Group owns and operates a terrestrial TV station, three cable TV channels and a satellite TV channel, two FM radio stations, and a DMB (Digital Mobile Broadcasting) channel. As one of Korea’s three major networks, the demands for its globally syndicated programming are growing fast. SBS strives to provide the best Korean programming viewing experience.
