By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The government plans to launch a new FM English radio broadcaster in major cities as early as this year for foreigners staying in Korea and students studying English. This will expand English FM radio nationwide from Jeju Island, which alone has operated a service.
The Presidential transition team said Tuesday that the Ministry of Information and Communication suggested allowing Arirang Radio to broadcast programs in English delivering news and information on the weather, traffic and tours. The ministry plans to set up a broadcasting station and relay stations firstly in metropolitan cities beginning in Yeosu, where EXPO 2012 will be held. It will eventually expand it to other areas.
English radio programs have been one of the most popular ways to stay in touch with the English language. However, there was little general public access: Arirang Radio aired only on Jeju Island and AFN Radio managed by the United States Forces in Korea dealt mostly with information concerning the military and was only available in cities near military bases. Therefore, there has been rising demand for English programs made in Korea for domestic demand to support and report on life in Korea.
Alongside foreigner-targeted programs, there will be English education programs for students.
``We believe allowing the broadcasting will give people the chance to choose what they want to listen to. Also, it will be a good tool to promote a foreigner-friendly image in Korea,'' Park Yoon-hyun, a ministry official said.
Private firms will run the broadcasting stations, but in areas, considered unprofitable, state-subsidies will be available. The government will determine the allocation of frequencies later.