Ruling Democratic Party (DP) leader hopefuls take part in a remote TV debate to outline their policy goals on Aug. 27, 2020. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — With the shooting schedules of dramas and entertainment programs being halted amid the resurgence of the coronavirus in South Korea, news bureaus, the last bastion of broadcasting stations, are struggling to keep news alive while minimizing in-person interaction.
KBS’s “Each and Every Case,” for example, a daily current affairs talk show where lawmakers participate to present their ideas, garnered attention after it shifted its format from a studio environment to a video link discussion through mobile phone application Skype starting from August 19.
Unlike in the past when video links were used particularly for broadcasting news of emergencies and disasters, broadcasting stations have now started using such formats for regular programs amid the prolonged outbreak of the coronavirus.
MBC’s “100 Minute Debate” program also aired a discussion of the candidates for the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party in a non-face-to-face format on Aug. 27.
Even front line reporters are recording all of their moves in detail, while taking precautionary measures such as making use of disposable microphone covers and wearing latex gloves.
When covering news events, they try to use the phones or email as much as possible instead of face-to-face contact.
Even radio programs carry out strict disinfection measures to keep studios safe from the coronavirus.
“For broadcasting stations, it is worth trying to create high quality content while minimizing the amount of filming that takes place.” said Chung Yeon-woo, a professor at Semyung University.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
