Singapore – The organisers of the 21^st Asian Television Awards (ATA) announced that Mr. Ko Dae-young, President and CEO of Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) will be the recipient of its Award for Outstanding Contribution to Asian Television. Ko has more than 30 years of experience in public broadcasting.

He joined KBS as a TV reporter in 1985 and has since held key positions including foreign correspondent to Moscow, Russia. Since then, Ko rose to the appointment of Executive Director of News Department and Executive Managing Director of News & Sports Division. In 2012, he became General Auditor for KBS Media and two years later he was appointed President of KBS Business. He was also appointed as Chairman of the Korean Broadcasters Association (KBA) in August 2016.

As the first public service broadcaster in Korea, KBS has remained the most influential and creative media organisation in the country. It has two terrestrial and six cable TV channels. It also runs six domestic radio channels with various international platforms. Its continued relevance can be seen from its wildly successful release of the Korean Drama Descendants of the Sun. The series was a massive hit in South Korea and across Asia.

“As head of the leading public service broadcaster in Korea, I am delighted to be recognised and I humbly accept this honour. At the same time, I feel hugely responsible for our public duties and further commitment to quality broadcasting services,” said Ko.

Ko will be presented with the award at the 21^st ATA gala, attended by industry luminaries from Asia and beyond, on 1 December 2016 at Suntec Singapore. As the first public service broadcaster in Korea, KBS has remained the most influential and creative media organisation in the country.