By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Many Koreans may simply know the BBC as a television channel from Britain, perhaps more as a news channel than an entertainment one, but Ryan Shiotani, the programming director of BBC Worldwide, explained otherwise.
``Sometimes people are not aware of the huge range of services and programs BBC offers in the U.K. The BBC is actually the largest public service broadcaster in the world and it produces a whole range of programming, from children to comedy, drama, reality and mini series,'' he told The Korea Times during an interview last week.
The BBC Entertainment channel is one of six channels under BBC Worldwide and the first to be aired here officially through pay television network Skylife, on channel 334.
``BBC Entertainment is an excellent way to introduce the best of British programming to the Korean audience. We choose programs from the BBC, as well as other production companies in the U.K. We try to choose programs (that) we think will work best for the Korean audience,'' he said.
For Korean viewers, the local television industry is considered to be quite well off in comparison to other southeastern nations, considering the Hallyu (Korean wave) phenomenon and Korean celebrities traveling back and forth for promotion and fans. But does the professional think the Korean industry is as special as we think it is?
``I think in terms of the television industry, Korea has a very vibrant (one), in particular, the pay television industry is very dynamic. But I think from a programmer's perspective, the interesting thing about Korea is that anybody living in Asia knows Korean entertainment and television (and also) because on one hand Korea produces a lot of excellent television programs and at the same time Korea is also a very important buyer of international channels and programs,'' said Shiotani.
Despite the fears many may have of English programs, such as the pronunciation, BBC has strived to bring universal entertainment to television fans. The hit reality show ``Dancing With the Stars'' is a great example, as the format is originally from the U.K.'s `Strictly Come Dancing.'''
``We actually offer light entertainment like drama and comedy, and those are the key genres for us. Light entertainment is something that is accessible for all viewers regardless of the level of English comprehension. BBC actually produced the number one internationally distributed format in the world and it's a form called `Strictly Come Dancing.' It's been distributed throughout the world in 38 countries. It's very fun and glamorous and even if you are not using English it's dance and music based so (everyone) can really enjoy it,'' he said.
BBC programs have already started to grace fans with their interesting ideas and educational content, such as the BBC Knowledge channel, on cable channel Science TV and broadcasting famous shows including Doctor Who and Torchwood. But the British broadcaster has still a long way to go.
``I think the Korean audience is very receptive to things that are unique, refreshing and new. As American (programs) do very well here, in some way we (may) offer a very good counterbalance to that,'' Shiotani said.