KBS chief elected president of regional broadcasters’ union

Gil Hwan-young, president and CEO of state-run broadcaster KBS, was elected the 14th president of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, KBS said Tuesday.

Gil was elected in a unanimous vote at the organization’s general assembly in Hanoi, Vietnam. He will serve a three-year term until the end of 2016.

“I will seek unity of our members and put efforts into leading the ever-changing broadcasting environment in the digital era,” Gil said during his acceptance speech.

As president of the union, Gil will oversee broadcasting policies, joint production of programs, technology exchange and other activities to forge ties among the 255 member broadcasters, located in 63 Asia-Pacific countries.

Established in 1964 as a non-profit, nongovernment, professional association, ABU promotes the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters and encourages regional and international cooperation among its members.

KBS has served as a board member since 2002 and former KBS chief Kim In-kyu served as the 13th president.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)