CNBC Aligns with SBS for Korean Business Network

SEOUL: CNBC is partnering with SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) for a co-branded 24-hour business news network slated to make its debut in Korea in January.

In addition to its flagship pan-regional CNBC Asia, CNBC’s Asia Pacific operations include the joint ventures CNBC-TV18 in India and Nikkei-CNBC in Japan. In Korea, it is partnering with the country’s only private nationwide terrestrial broadcasting company. With SBS-CNBC, SBS adds to its portfolio of pay-TV channels (including SBS Sports and E! Entertainment Channel Korea). The channel will focus on Korea’s daily business news, complemented with international coverage from CNBC bureaus around the world.

"CNBC is always looking for new opportunities to provide our affluent, highly educated audience with fast, accurate, actionable and unbiased business news," said Satpal Brainch, the president and managing director of CNBC Asia Pacific. "We are excited about our partnership with SBS. It will continue to further our strategy of localizing our content throughout Asia Pacific. This new channel will not only provide Korean viewers with premium global and local business news, but it will further our ability to take the Korean business story to the international community. Our partnership with SBS reinforces our commitment to the region by being First in Business Worldwide. We look forward to this long-term strategic partnership."

The venture will be headed up by Kee Seong Kim as president. "CNBC is the world leader in business news and information," Kim said. "Our partnership allows us to tap into their expertise in business and financial news, enhancing the quality of content delivered to our premier audiences in Korea."